Travel insurance: what it generally covers
Cancellation, medical costs, repatriation: what travel insurance generally covers, and what's often excluded.
Common coverage
| Coverage | Generally covers |
|---|---|
| Cancellation | Reimbursement if the trip is cancelled for a covered reason (illness, death of a relative…) |
| Medical costs abroad | Treatment, hospitalisation, sometimes pharmacy |
| Repatriation | Organised, covered return in case of a serious medical emergency |
| Baggage | Loss, theft or delay, up to a cap |
| Liability | Damage caused to a third party during the trip |
Every policy has its own exclusions and caps — reading the terms before you leave is the only reliable way to know what's actually covered; a generic "travel insurance" label guarantees no standard content.
Common exclusions
- "High-risk" sports (unless a specific option is added).
- Pre-existing conditions not declared.
- Regions advised against by your government's foreign travel advisory.
- A pandemic or event classified as a "known risk" at the time of purchase.
Already covered without knowing it
Some premium bank cards (Visa Premier, Gold Mastercard…) include travel insurance if the ticket was paid with the card — check what's already covered before buying a duplicate policy.
What to do if something happens
- Contact assistance as soon as possible (number provided with the policy).
- Keep all evidence (receipts, medical certificates, theft report).
- File the claim within the contractual deadline (often 5 business days after returning).
Thanks for the feedback!