How to choose · Travel insurance
How to compare travel insurance policies
Last updated 25 October 2026 · 2 sources listed · Reading time about 3 minutes
Short answer
Compare policies by what they cover, what they exclude, the limits and excess for each section, and the conditions for making a claim. Medical cover and evacuation, cancellation reasons, baggage limits, activity exclusions and pre-existing condition rules matter more than the price. Read the policy wording and key facts document, not the marketing page, and ask the insurer about anything unclear.
Who this is for: Travellers comparing several trip insurance policies and trying to look past headline prices to what is actually covered.
What to evaluate
Medical and evacuation cover
Overseas treatment and repatriation can be extremely costly in some countries, and policies differ in limits and what they pay directly.
How to check: Look at the medical limit, evacuation terms and whether the insurer arranges and pays hospitals directly.
Cancellation and curtailment triggers
Cover applies only for listed reasons. Change of mind is typically excluded.
How to check: Read the list of insured events and the evidence required.
Exclusions and conditions
Exclusions for alcohol, risky activities, unattended property and certain destinations can defeat claims.
How to check: Read the exclusions section and the general conditions closely.
Limits and excesses
Single-item limits, total baggage limits and excesses reduce payouts, particularly for electronics.
How to check: Check the limit for each item type and the excess per claim.
Claims process and assistance
A good policy is useless if claiming is hard. Emergency assistance lines matter when something goes wrong abroad.
How to check: Ask about 24-hour assistance, claim deadlines and documents needed.
Comparison
| Section | Compare | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | Limit, direct payment, evacuation | Exclusions for pre-existing conditions |
| Cancellation | Insured reasons and limit | Strict evidence rules and late purchase restrictions |
| Baggage | Single-item and total limits | Unattended item and delay exclusions |
| Activities | Listed sports and extras | Requirement to buy add-ons for adventure sports |
Decision worksheet
Rate up to three options against this guide’s own criteria. It runs in your browser and saves only on this device. It is a thinking aid, not a recommendation.
1. Have you checked each criterion?
0 of 5 criteria checked.
2. Compare options (0 = fails or unknown, 3 = meets it well)
| Criterion | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and evacuation cover | |||
| Cancellation and curtailment triggers | |||
| Exclusions and conditions | |||
| Limits and excesses | |||
| Claims process and assistance | |||
| Total (max 15) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Questions to ask before you commit
- What does the policy exclude, in plain words?
- What is the excess for each claim?
- How are pre-existing conditions treated and do I need to declare them?
- Is my planned activity covered?
- How do I contact emergency assistance?
- What documents are needed to claim?
- Is there a cooling-off period if I change my mind?
Typical trade-offs
Lower premium versus higher cover limits
- Upside
- A cheaper policy suits low-risk trips.
- Downside
- Low limits and exclusions may leave gaps.
Comprehensive policy versus medical-only
- Upside
- Comprehensive cover protects trip costs and belongings.
- Downside
- More cost and complexity.
Comparison site versus direct insurer
- Upside
- Sites let you see many options quickly.
- Downside
- Not every insurer is included and policy detail can be simplified.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by price only. Compare medical limits, exclusions and excesses.
- Not reading exclusions. Check alcohol, activities and unattended baggage clauses.
- Failing to declare health conditions. Non-disclosure can void a claim.
- Buying after the trip is already at risk. Cover for known events is typically excluded.
- Assuming cover is the same for all family members. Check the rules on children and age limits.
Related questions
What should a travel insurance policy always include?
For most international trips, medical expenses and emergency assistance are core, together with evacuation and repatriation. Beyond that, cancellation, baggage and delay cover depend on your trip. Read the policy wording and consider your own risk. For personal recommendations speak with a licensed adviser or the insurer.
What does excess mean?
The excess is the amount you pay towards each claim before the insurer pays. A higher excess usually lowers the premium. Check whether it applies per person, per section or per claim. Understanding it helps you compare the real cost of a policy.
Do I need to read the full policy wording?
Yes, at least the sections on exclusions, conditions and claims. The key facts summary helps but the policy wording is the binding document. Ask the insurer for clarification in writing and keep a copy of the documents.
Can I buy insurance after booking my trip?
The policy wording is the binding document, and the key facts summary is only a guide, so read the exclusions, conditions and claims sections in full. If a clause is unclear, ask the insurer to explain it in writing and keep that reply with your travel documents. Save a copy of the wording you were issued, because the version on a website may change after you buy, and cite the exact clause if a claim is questioned.
Sources and further reading
These pages were reachable when we last checked. They informed definitions and rules referred to above; they do not endorse this guide. Where rules differ by country, check the authority for your location.
- California Department of Insurance — California Department of Insurance, retrieved 27 October 2026
- Information for consumers — Financial Conduct Authority, retrieved 27 October 2026
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