Travel insurance can be a lifesaver, literally and financially. Whether you’re taking a weekend city break or planning a months-long adventure abroad, travel insurance offers essential protection against the unexpected. But not all policies are created equal.

Here’s a detailed checklist to guide you through what’s usually included, what’s often excluded, and what to look out for before clicking “buy.”

Like I always say, if you can afford to travel, you can afford travel insurance. It’s one thing I never cheap out on.

Jump to:

• What’s Usually Included in Travel Insurance
• What’s Usually NOT Included
• What You Should Look Out For
• Check-List
• Final Thoughts
  

✔️ What’s Usually Included in Travel Insurance

Most standard travel insurance policies cover:

Medical & Emergency Assistance

• Overseas medical expenses (doctors, hospitals, surgeries)
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• 24/7 assistance helpline
• Ambulance transport (air/land)

Trip Cancellation or Interruption

• If you cancel due to illness, injury, or death in the family
• Natural disasters, strikes, or airline bankruptcy
• Severe weather or government travel warnings

Travel Delays & Missed Connections

• Reimbursement for meals, accommodation, or alternate transport
• Delay due to weather, strikes, or mechanical failure

Baggage & Personal Belongings

• Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage
• Delayed baggage compensation
• Coverage for electronics (up to a certain limit)

Personal Liability

• Legal liability for injury to others or damage to property
• Legal expenses (sometimes limited)

What’s Usually NOT Included

These are the most common exclusions across standard policies:

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

• Unless disclosed and accepted by the insurer
• Some policies offer waivers—read the fine print!

Working While Abroad

• You’re often not covered for incidents that happen during paid work, especially manual labor or hazardous jobs
• Some policies do allow work cover (like teaching or office jobs) if declared

High-Risk Activities

• Extreme sports like skydiving, scuba diving, or skiing may require extra coverage
• Motorbiking or riding a scooter? You usually need a valid license and helmet to be covered

Alcohol or Drug-Related Incidents

• Injuries or accidents occurring under the influence are commonly excluded

Unapproved Cancellations

• Changing your mind or cancelling for a non-covered reason is not claimable

What You Should Look Out For

Here’s what savvy travelers check before buying:

Medical Cover Limits

• Look for at least $1 million (USD) in emergency medical cover
• Check if coverage includes COVID-19-related expenses

Trip Cancellation Flexibility

• Does it cover your specific reason for cancelling?
• Consider “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) upgrades if available

Activity & Work Coverage

• If you plan to ride scooters, ski, volunteer, or work remotely, make sure it’s covered
• Adventure sports or remote work often require policy add-ons

Excess (Deductible) Fees

• Know how much you’ll pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in

Claims Process & Reviews

• Is the claims process easy and quick?
• Read user reviews or forums before choosing a provider

Check-List

📋 What’s Included?

⬜ Medical expenses overseas
⬜ Emergency evacuation & repatriation
⬜ 24/7 emergency helpline
⬜ Trip cancellation (for illness, family emergency, etc.)
⬜ Trip interruption cover (e.g. natural disasters, wars)
⬜ Flight or transport delays
⬜ Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
⬜ Personal belongings cover (luggage, electronics, etc.)
⬜ Personal liability & legal expenses

❌ Common Exclusions

⬜ Pre-existing medical conditions disclosed and accepted
⬜ Working overseas is covered (if you plan to work)
⬜ Adventure activities covered (skiing, scuba, scooters, etc.)
⬜ Alcohol or drug-related incidents not excluded
⬜ High-risk destinations not excluded
⬜ Cancellation reasons match your needs

🔍 What to Double Check

⬜ Medical cover is at least $1 million (USD) – I recommend at least 10 million (USD)
⬜ COVID-19 cover is included (if needed)
⬜ Policy includes “Cancel For Any Reason” (if you want it)
⬜ Excess/deductible amount is clear and acceptable
⬜ Claims process is easy and well-reviewed
⬜ Policy documents saved digitally and printed copies packed

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance gives peace of mind, but only if you understand what you’re covered for. Take time to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), ask questions, and tailor your policy to your travel style. A few extra dollars now could save thousands later.

Once you have decided on an insurer you can look for promo code or deals they are offering to better budget your trip!

Tip: Always carry a digital and printed copy of your policy, emergency contact numbers, and receipts or proof of any valuables you bring with you.

Safe travels! ✈️🌍

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