What does travel insurance cover? A complete guide for travelers
Traveling is an experience, but it also comes with some uncertainties. Whether you're planning a sunny holiday in the south or a longer trip, it's important to be covered by travel insurance in case of an accident, which is why many people choose to take out travel insurance. But what does travel insurance actually cover, and perhaps more importantly, what does it not cover?
In this guide, we'll go through what you can expect from your travel insurance to avoid unpleasant surprises along the way. We'll also look at how travel insurance interacts with your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed, a situation where Refundmore can help you with compensation.
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance basically covers the most common accidents and incidents that can occur while you are away from home. For example, if you fall ill, have an accident, or have your luggage stolen.
The typical coverage area includes:
Illness and injury, including hospitalization and repatriation
Emergency dental treatment
Evacuation and repatriation in serious situations
Baggage delay or loss of personal belongings
Theft and compensation for damaged or stolen items
Legal aid and liability if you cause damage, for example
Repatriation in particular can be extremely expensive without insurance, which is one of the most important reasons to have travel insurance behind you. Many policies also cover trip cancellation if you fall ill or a close relative die, but this typically requires a separate additional cover.
What does travel insurance not cover?
It's just as important to know the exceptions, i.e. situations where you are not covered. Many people think that travel insurance covers everything, but it doesn't. For example, if you travel outside the specified geographical areas, engage in risky activities or don't follow the recommendations of health authorities, your cover may be cancelled.
Travel insurance does not usually cover:
Travelling to countries with travel warnings
Injuries caused by alcohol or drugs
Extreme sports (unless separately covered)
Pre-existing conditions without prior authorisation
Airline delays and cancellations - your passenger rights apply instead
This is where Refundmore comes in handy. Many people confuse travel insurance with flight compensation, but travel insurance doesn't cover you if your flight is cancelled or delayed. However, under EU law, you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation, and Refundmore can help you get it, risk-free and hassle-free. Check your case right here!
Travel insurance and EU health insurance card - is it enough?
Many Europeans think that the blue EU health insurance card is enough, but it only covers public hospitals in EU and EEA countries, and only on the same terms as citizens of that country. This means, for example, that you may have to pay for treatment yourself if this is normal practice in the country you are visiting.
In addition, the blue card does not cover repatriation, which can amount to hundreds of thousands of euros. That's why private travel insurance is almost always a good investment - no matter where in the world you're travelling.
When should you have travel insurance?
As a rule of thumb, you should always have travel insurance if you:
Are traveling to another country - even if it's "just" to a neighbouring country
Are travelling with children or elderly
Have health challenges
Booked an expensive trip you don't want to risk losing money on
Are going on holiday in countries without public healthcare
If you're not sure how to combine travel insurance with your passenger rights, it's a good idea to ensure you have double security: travel insurance for health and Refundmore for flying.
How to combine travel insurance with Refundmore
If your flight is cancelled, delayed or overbooked, it's not your travel insurance that protects you, but the EU Air Passenger Regulation EC 261/2004. It entitles you to compensation, and Refundmore can handle the case for you - for free, until you get your compensation.
Simply submit your case here and we'll assess whether you have a claim - and do the rest.
Travel safe and informed
Travel insurance is essential for every traveler. It covers you if you fall ill, lose your luggage or get lost - but it doesn't cover everything, and flight delays and cancellations in particular need to be handled separately.
By combining solid travel insurance with Refundmore’s expertise in flight compensation, you have the best possible security before, during and after your trip.
FAQ
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance normally covers expenses related to illness, theft and other emergencies.
Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?
No, as a rule, this is the responsibility of the airline, but with cancellation insurance, you can get your travel expenses covered if you have to cancel due to illness or similar.
What does travel insurance not cover?
Travel insurance does not cover flight delays or cancellations. Damage caused by alcohol, drugs or extreme sports is also not covered.
