How to choose a good travel insurance policy?

How to choose a good travel insurance policy? - Traditional market stall with various aromatic spices

When looking for travel insurance, there is a dizzying array of companies, policies, plans, restrictions, and conditions. What should a short-term traveler look for in an insurance plan? What things should you watch out for? Are there any companies or plans in particular that are commonly recommended for travelers?

Edit: To make this more specific, I'm looking for a general travel insurance policy for a single traveler in good health traveling for a few weeks to a few months. It should be comprehensive enough to cover basically any medical issue that could arise while traveling in most parts of the world. I know there are hundreds of plans that fit this criteria, so my question is: are there any major aspects that set some plans apart from others, or are they basically all the same? Are there a few companies that are frequently highly recommended for travelers, or is there not much difference between the companies out there?



Best Answer

Unfortunately I haven't seen any comprehensive comparison of the terms and conditions that different companies offer (which is a shame - hopefully someone will provide a link). However, the things that I came across personally:

  1. Volcanoes and similar natural disasters - after the issues with Icelandic eruptions, many (reputable) companies refused to cover the resulting losses. So I would double check with the company whether they (a) cover these things (b) covered it last time it happened.

  2. All sorts of sports and/or work - if you are planning to do sports or work double check that you are covered. Especially if its "extreme" sport (surprisingly wide category for the insurance companies) or involves any sort of competition. Wintersports cover is also usually included at a premium.

  3. Cover for the USA and Canada can be more expensive than the rest of the world.




Pictures about "How to choose a good travel insurance policy?"

How to choose a good travel insurance policy? - Aged souvenir shop with various gifts and vintage goods placed on wooden shelves
How to choose a good travel insurance policy? - Young ethnic man working in traditional oriental store
How to choose a good travel insurance policy? - Side view of content elderly male in suit and outerwear sitting in front seat of contemporary automobile and looking away



Quick Answer about "How to choose a good travel insurance policy?"

  • Trip cancellation coverage. ...
  • Trip delay coverage. ...
  • Trip interruption coverage. ...
  • Medical expenses and emergency-evacuation benefits. ...
  • Baggage loss.


  • Which is the most reliable travel insurance?

    Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2022
    • Best Overall: Travelex.
    • Runner-Up, Best Overall: Allianz Travel Insurance.
    • Best Value: InsureMyTrip.
    • Most Comprehensive Coverage: World Nomads.
    • Best for Seniors: HTH Travel Insurance.
    • Best for Cruises: Nationwide.
    • Best for Medical Coverage: GeoBlue.


    What are the disadvantages of travel insurance?

    Cons of Travel Insurance
    • It Can Be Expensive. One major drawback of buying travel insurance is the cost. ...
    • Might Not Provide Coverage for Pre-Existing Diseases. ...
    • Travel Insurance Claim May Get Rejected. ...
    • Comes with Certain Loopholes.


    Is it a good idea to take out travel insurance in case you need?

    While you're never required to buy travel insurance, it's a good idea for more expensive trips. The last thing you want to see is thousands of dollars in non-refundable purchases evaporate because of an unforeseen event. You can follow these below tips to you help you decide when travel insurance is worth it.

    How do I choose travel insurance UK?

    Top tips
  • travel insurance is essential, particularly if you are travelling independently.
  • choose a policy that covers your needs.
  • compare policies on the cover they offer as well as the cost.
  • check if you have other insurance that will cover you away from home.




  • How to Choose Travel Insurance in 2022 | Know what's covered (and what to look out for!)




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Julia Volk, furkanfdemir, Levent Simsek, Andrea Piacquadio