Travel insurance: what to check before you buy
A policy is only as good as the situations it actually covers. The questions that matter before you choose one, from medical limits to pre-existing conditions.
2 min read
Travel insurance is easy to buy and easy to buy badly. Almost every policy looks similar on the first page; the differences that matter are in what is excluded and how much is covered when something serious happens.
The questions that matter
- Medical cover. Emergency medical treatment and repatriation are the reason to insure at all. Check the limit, and remember that treatment in some countries is far more expensive than at home.
- Pre-existing conditions. Many policies exclude them unless declared. Declare everything; an undeclared condition can void a claim.
- Activities. Skiing, diving, scooters and many adventure activities are often excluded or need an add-on. Check the policy wording, not the summary.
- Cancellation. Cover for cancelling before you travel is separate from cover while travelling. Check which reasons for cancellation are accepted.
- Excess. The amount you pay yourself on each claim. A cheap policy with a high excess may cover less than it seems.
- Visa requirements. Some countries require proof of medical insurance for a visa, sometimes with a minimum amount of cover. Check the requirement for your destination.
Where to get a quote
EKTA sells travel insurance online for travellers of any nationality, to any destination, for people aged from 2 months to 100 years. As with any insurer, read the policy wording for your trip before you pay — that document, not the sales page, is what a claim is judged against.