What does and does not travel insurance cover?

Ask even those who travel regularly — the answers will be different. Because everyone uses different types of insurance. They buy different service packages and choose from a variety of insurance companies. How to figure it out on your own and make the right choice of insurance for the trip — read on. Let's consider the following questions:

• What are the types of travel insurance?
• What do different travel insurance policies cover?
• What is not included in the cost of travel insurance?
• The best option in terms of price and package of services.

What are the types of travel insurance?

The price depends on which insurance you choose. Travel insurance can vary:

Depending on the duration of your vacation. Whether you are going for a week or a month, the cost varies. Even if you buy insurance for a year, you need to find out how many days a year it is intended for. For example, some types cover 30 days spent traveling during the year. Some — are valid for 45 days in other countries, and so on.

Destinations. Insurance that covers only travel within the Schengen zone — is different from that intended for travel around the world. If you are going to go to Sri Lanka in the winter — insurance only within Europe will not work, you need to buy a separate service. So think about your plans for the year before making a purchase.

Also, insurance may differ in such parameters as the age of the traveler. Insurance limit — the maximum amount that the company will cover if necessary.

Having determined for yourself all the parameters listed above, the differences do not end. The cost of insurance may also depend on the package of services included in it.

What do different travel insurance policies cover?

Services included in the standard (basic) package:

• Ambulance call and first aid.
• Treatment, hospital and doctor services, medications. Within the insurance limit.
• Emergency dental care.

Conclusion: this is a simple medical insurance that is valid in other countries. It does not cover compensation for lost luggage, flight delay and other insured events.

If you choose a more optimal option, medical services will be added to:

• Compensation for lost luggage, flight delay, flight cancellation.
• Early return to Ukraine if necessary.
• Expenses for delay in the country if necessary (hotel, transport).

Also, some types of insurance may include payments for the loss of personal documents or lawyer services.

What is not included in the cost of travel insurance?

Before buying insurance, it is worth researching. Perhaps — your trip requires a different type of insurance and package of services.

For example, if you participate in sports competitions — insurance does not cover the treatment of possible injuries. And if the traveler works during the trip — he needs work insurance. All injuries sustained at work are not covered by travel insurance.

In addition, travel insurance does not cover:

• Injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Dental services. If these are not emergency care, but standard procedures.
• Childbirth — this also requires a different type of insurance.
• Treatment of illnesses that the traveler had before the trip.
• Medicines, if this is not an urgent need, but preventive drugs, vitamins, etc.
• Cosmetic services: surgeries, facelifts, laser removal of moles and age spots, other beauty services.
• Expenses that you have not agreed with the insurance company.

The last point should be treated with special attention. If you, without informing the insurance company, decide that you need a doctor's consultation, the purchase of expensive medications, or urgent transportation home - the company may refuse to cover the costs. To prevent this from happening - contact the number specified in the insurance before taking any measures.

The best option for the price and package of services

Insurance for a year, taking into account the days spent in other countries — this is more profitable than buying several short-term insurances during the year. Choose, taking into account all possible factors: which countries you plan to visit and how many days in total you will be abroad.

If you are only concerned about medical care if necessary — a basic package of services will be enough. Such insurance is suitable for ordinary trips to other cities, with light luggage (without valuables) and inexpensive plane tickets.

For those who are still concerned about the issue of luggage safety or loss of a large amount due to flight cancellation — it is better to choose a package of services that protects against such cases.

Some cases when you need to carefully select travel insurance: traveling during pregnancy or for the purpose of playing sports. For example, a trip to a ski resort, mountaineering or surfing. And those who travel by their own car — need separate insurance for transport.

To receive quality services, you need to take into account all travel factors. After all, someone spent 40 euros on air tickets and has no need for flight cancellation insurance. And for another, this point is important because the tickets cost 500 euros one way.

When you have decided what kind of insurance for traveling abroad is needed — study similar offers from different companies. In addition to the price, you should pay attention to the reviews and rating of the company that takes responsibility for travelers.