Blog · Booking tips
Travel insurance: what to check before you buy
Travel insurance is easy to buy and easy to buy wrongly. These are the points that matter when something goes wrong.
Medical cover and evacuation
This is the most important part, especially abroad, where treatment can be very expensive. Check the medical limit, whether it includes hospitalisation and emergency evacuation, and whether the insurer settles bills directly with hospitals ("cashless").
Trip cancellation and interruption
This covers non-refundable costs if you have to cancel or cut short a trip for covered reasons, such as illness. Read which reasons are covered; a change of plans usually is not.
Baggage and delays
Look at the limits for lost or delayed baggage, passport loss and flight delays. These are small amounts, but useful on the day.
Adventure activities and altitude
If your trip includes trekking, high-altitude travel (Ladakh, Kedarnath, Amarnath), skiing, rafting or water sports, check that they are not excluded, and whether there is an altitude limit.
Pre-existing conditions
Declare existing medical conditions honestly. Undeclared conditions are one of the most common reasons claims are rejected.
Keep the details handy
Save the policy, the emergency helpline number and your policy number on your phone and on paper. Some countries also require proof of insurance for the visa.