Travel Insurance for International Trips: What to Check Before You Buy

Most of us buy travel insurance the same way: at the last minute, on a checkout page, picking the cheapest option. And most of the time nothing goes wrong. But when something does go wrong — a hospital bill, a cancelled flight, a lost bag — that cheap policy can turn out to cover much less than you thought. Bcoz we'd rather you find that out now, here's what we check before buying.

Is it required, or just a good idea?

Sometimes it's required. For Schengen visas, for example, applicants must show travel insurance with a minimum medical cover of €30,000 valid across the Schengen area. Some other countries and visa types have their own rules. Check the official requirements for your destination in our Visa Checker and on the embassy site.

Even when it isn't required, it's worth considering for any international trip, especially for medical care. Hospital costs abroad can be far higher than you'd expect, and a single emergency can wipe out a trip budget.

The six things we check

1. Medical cover amount. This is the most important part. Look at the maximum amount covered for emergency treatment, and whether it fits the destination — costs in some countries are much higher than in others. The minimum visa requirement isn't always enough for a real emergency.

2. Trip cancellation and delay. What happens if you can't travel, or your flight is cancelled or delayed for a long time? Read the list of covered reasons. Not every reason you'd think is on the list.

3. Baggage and documents. Check what's covered if your bag is lost, delayed or stolen, and what the per-item limits are. Electronics often have lower limits than people expect.

4. Exclusions. Always read this section. Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions, certain adventure activities, and incidents related to alcohol or known travel warnings. If you're planning trekking, diving or scooter riding, confirm those are covered.

5. Claims process. Look for how to claim, how long it takes, and whether the insurer has a cashless network at hospitals. In an emergency, paying a large bill upfront and waiting for reimbursement is stressful.

6. Emergency assistance. A 24/7 helpline that can arrange a hospital, translation or evacuation is valuable when you're in an unfamiliar country.

Why this matters more right now

In 2026, schedules have been less predictable. Airspace closures and route changes affected many flights between India, the Middle East and Europe, as we covered in our guide to flying from India to Europe. Insurance won't cover everything — many policies exclude known events and wars — so read what the policy says about delays caused by events that were already in the news when you bought it. The date you buy the policy can matter.

When to buy

Buy soon after you book your trip, not the night before you fly. Cancellation cover usually only applies to things that happen after you buy the policy, so buying early protects the money you've already spent on flights and hotels.

Mistakes we see people make

1. Choosing only by price. The cheapest policy usually has the lowest limits and the most exclusions.
2. Not disclosing a medical condition. If you hide something and need to claim, the insurer may refuse. Be honest on the form.
3. Not reading the exclusions. This is where most claim disputes start.
4. Losing the paperwork. Keep receipts, medical reports, police reports for theft and airline delay letters. Without them, a claim can fail.
5. Forgetting the policy number when you need it. Save the policy document and the helpline number on your phone and in your email.

If something goes wrong

Call the insurer's assistance line first, especially in a medical emergency — they may direct you to a hospital that works with them. Take photos and keep every receipt. File the claim as soon as you can, within the time limit written in the policy.

Our takeaway

You hope you'll never use it, but travel insurance is one of the few things that can turn a disaster into an inconvenience. Spend ten minutes reading the cover limits, exclusions and claim process, and choose the policy that matches your trip, not just the one with the lowest price.

Double-check your entry documents with our Visa Checker, and compare flights on Skytrippa Flights.