Travel is not only about inspiration, new experiences and a long-awaited holiday, but also a potential risk zone. Even the most well-planned trip can be disrupted by sudden illness, injury or lost luggage. In a foreign country, any unexpected situation can be extremely stressful, especially if it involves medical expenses. To avoid financial losses and maintain peace of mind, it is worth taking out an insurance policy in advance.

The right travel insurance will not only make you feel more confident on your trip, but also save you money if you suddenly need urgent medical care, hospitalisation or even emergency evacuation. However, not all policies are equally effective: it is important to choose one that suits your itinerary, travel format and individual needs.

Ultimately, choosing a reliable insurance company and the right policy is an investment in your own safety. Travel insurance has long ceased to be a formality — it has become a real tool for protection abroad.

Why travel insurance is really necessary

Many travellers still perceive an insurance policy as a mandatory formal document for a visa. But insurance is not just a requirement, it is a real way to compensate for possible expenses, which abroad can amount to thousands of dollars. This is especially true when travelling to Europe, the United States or countries with expensive medical care.

Even something as trivial as food poisoning or an injury on the beach can result in hospitalisation and expensive treatment. Not to mention more serious incidents, such as a car accident, the need for surgery or evacuation to another clinic.

In addition to medical care, insurance can cover lost luggage, trip cancellation, flight delays and even legal support. Thanks to the policy, tourists have access to round-the-clock assistance from an assistance company, rather than being left alone with the problem.

What types of travel insurance are there?

Each policy has its own specifics, and it is important to understand what risks it covers. There is no universal option: the type of insurance is chosen according to the format of the specific trip.

The main types of travel insurance include:

• Medical insurance. Covers the costs of treatment, diagnostics, hospitalisation, purchase of medicines and dental care in emergencies;
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• Accident insurance. Payments for injuries, burns, fractures, as well as in the event of disability or death;
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• Luggage insurance. Compensation in the event of loss, damage or delay of luggage due to the fault of the carrier;
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• Civil liability insurance. Protection in case you cause harm to third parties, for example, damage to property;
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• Travel cancellation or interruption insurance. Reimburses the cost of tickets, hotels and transfers in case of cancellation for a valid reason (illness, accident, force majeure).

Each of these options can be included in the policy at your discretion — insurance companies offer flexible packages that allow you to choose the right combination of coverage.

What to consider when choosing an insurance policy

Before purchasing a policy, it is important to assess the parameters of your trip, your own risks and your budget. It is a mistake to assume that ‘any policy will do.’ The policy must meet not only formal requirements but also the actual situation in the country of stay.

Even if the tour operator provides basic insurance, it may not cover all your needs. Taking out an extended policy yourself will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Pay attention to the following aspects:

• The destination country and the nature of the trip. Standard insurance is suitable for a beach holiday, while extended insurance is suitable for active tourism, mountain skiing or diving.
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• The amount of coverage. For Europe, the optimal amount is considered to be 30,000 euros, and for the United States, at least 50,000 euros.
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• COVID-19 coverage. Despite the decline in the pandemic, many countries require this option.
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• The presence of additional risks. For example, alcohol consumption, flight insurance, extreme sports.
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• Quality of service. The availability of round-the-clock support, assistance in your native language and the ability to communicate online are important in a critical situation.

When choosing a policy, it is important to read the offer carefully: all insured events and restrictions are specified in it. Only an informed choice guarantees that you will actually be able to use the services when you need them.

Mistakes to avoid

Tourists often face refusals to pay, even though they were counting on assistance. The reason is insufficient attention to detail when taking out insurance. A common mistake is choosing the cheapest option without studying the coverage. Such a policy may not work in the country you need or may not cover the medical services you need. It is also important not to forget to keep an electronic or paper copy of the policy, as well as the contact details of the assistance company. This will allow you to quickly contact the necessary services.

If you are planning an active holiday, a trip with children or transit through several countries, you must indicate this when applying for insurance, otherwise some of the risks may remain uncovered. A policy with a deductible requires careful calculation: sometimes it is cheaper to buy a policy without a deductible than to pay high amounts yourself. This is especially true for countries with expensive medical care.

Where and how to take out travel insurance

Modern technology has simplified the process of taking out a policy — now everything can be done online. This is especially convenient if you discover that you do not have insurance while already travelling.

There are several ways to purchase travel insurance:

• on the insurance company's website;
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• through insurance aggregators;
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• at a travel agency office;
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• through mobile apps and marketplaces.

For example, the insurance company GROSS allows you to take out a policy even upon arrival — within the first three hours after arriving in the country. Simply enter your details into the online form, and the policy will take effect immediately.

When applying, you will need to provide your passport details, country of stay, travel dates and type of policy. Some options (luggage insurance, flight cancellation, alcohol protection) can be added at your discretion.

How to check the reliability of an insurance company

Checking the insurer's reputation is one of the most important steps. This determines how quickly and professionally you will be helped in an emergency.

Evaluate the company according to the following criteria:

• licence and positive reviews;
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• transparency of the terms of the offer;
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• length of time on the market;
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• number of partner clinics abroad;
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• 24/7 communication with assistance in your native language.

Good insurance companies offer not only comprehensive insurance programmes, but also real support anywhere in the world, including assistance via messengers and prompt communication with international assistance companies. This is especially important in emergencies, when every minute counts.

The main thing is to choose a policy not formally, but with an understanding of the purpose of the trip, the level of risk and personal preferences. Consider the country, planned activities, the presence of chronic diseases and possible non-standard situations. It is not worth saving on insurance — sometimes the difference in price is insignificant, but the coverage is significantly higher. It is better to anticipate all the nuances in advance than to face difficulties far from home.