How do you buy travel insurance? What you need to know (2024)

FAQs

How do you buy travel insurance? What you need to know? ›

Travel insurance generally only requires you to answer a few questions – like where you're going and when, how much your trip costs, how old are you and where do you live – so it's easy to get a quote online.

Travel insurance generally only requires you to answer a few questions – like where you're going and when, how much your trip costs, how old are you and where do you live – so it's easy to get a quote online.

The questions will vary depending on your condition. We may ask about your treatment, if you've been prescribed any medication, and any recent medical appointments. We will not need to know the name of the medications that you take. We may also ask you about what treatment you are expecting in the future, if any.

How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

Most travel insurance policies won't pay out if you're negligent while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and have an accident or have property stolen.

Conditions which may not be covered

Conditions like terminal illness, the need for oxygen, pending surgery, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, specific types of cancer, congestive heart failure, and recurring pain are generally excluded from coverage.

If you're wondering when you should buy travel insurance, the simple answer is as soon as possible. Ideally, you'll buy coverage no later than 15 days prior to your trip.

Cost: Travel insurance will add to the overall cost of your trip. Some may choose to forgo it to save money, especially on shorter or less expensive trips. Exclusions and Limitations: Policies may have various exclusions and limitations, so it's essential to read the fine print.

Do I get travel insurance with my bank? ›

All the big high street banks offer packaged current accounts. In return for a monthly fee, accountholders get a package of perks or benefits such as car breakdown, gadget cover and travel insurance.

If you're about to sign up for travel insurance, make it clear that you have this condition when you register. If you don't tell your insurer about a pre-existing medical condition (including high cholesterol), you may not be able to claim if something happens as a result of your condition on holiday.

Our simple answer is to get travel insurance as soon as you have booked and paid for your holiday, especially for a non-refundable trip. Although it is tempting to leave booking travel insurance until the last minute, it's more beneficial to get it in advance as the sooner you buy cover, the sooner you are protected.

Travel insurance can be useful, but it's not always necessary. The key to knowing if you need travel insurance is figuring out your specific risks for any given vacation, then deciding if you can buy coverage that adequately protects you from any financial losses and pitfalls that might occur.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

Travel insurance companies generally require proof of the duration of a trip in order to assess the appropriate policy. This is generally to ensure that customers are fully covered for the duration of their trip and are not left without medical or emergency assistance overseas should something happen.

What travel insurance documents are needed for my trip? Before travelling, download your travel insurance documents onto your devices and print a copy of your insurance certificate to take with you. It also makes sense to jot down your insurer, policy number, and contact details for emergencies.

Cancellation cover is a common inclusion with most standard travel insurance policies, but you can take it out separately if it doesn't offer enough cover. Alternatively, if you only want cancellation cover to protect you against cancelled flights rather than baggage protection, you can get it for that.