Which travel insurance to choose

What a good plan must cover

Check medical and hospital cover, assistance, evacuation, repatriation and cancellation. Ask the insurer which limits fit your destination and situation; no single amount is sufficient for everyone.

Also review liability, baggage, valuables, deductibles, pre-existing conditions and activity exclusions. The importance of each depends on your trip and existing cover.

Single trip vs annual multi-trip vs nomad

Compare a single-trip quote with an annual quote using the same benefits and exclusions.

Annual policies often limit the length of each trip. Read the limit rather than assuming a particular number of trips makes a policy cheaper.

Long-stay and subscription policies have residency, destination and activity conditions. Confirm eligibility and renewal terms directly with the insurer.

Check what you already have

A bank card or another policy may already provide some cover. Verify insured people, payment requirements, maximum trip length, limits and exclusions with the provider before buying or declining another policy.

Buy before you leave

Check when cover starts, any waiting period, and whether buying after departure is permitted. Cancellation cover may depend on the booking and subscription dates.