Travel Insurance Explained Simply

Travel insurance is the one thing every traveler skips until the day they wish they hadn’t. Here is the no-nonsense version updated for 2026.

What it actually covers

1. Emergency medical — by far the most important. Hospitalisation abroad can run €5,000–€100,000. A single appendicitis surgery in the US costs upwards of €50,000. In 2026, medical inflation has pushed these figures even higher, making adequate cover non-negotiable.
2. Repatriation — flying you home, often by medical flight (€20,000+ on its own). This includes bringing remains home in worst-case scenarios.
3. Trip cancellation / interruption — recovers prepaid bookings if you can’t go or have to leave early. This is where most 2026 claims are filed.
4. Lost or delayed baggage — modest payouts (€500–€2,000). Keep a change of clothes in your carry-on.
5. Personal liability — if you accidentally injure someone or damage property abroad. A broken hotel TV or a bumped cyclist can land you with a bill.

What it usually doesn’t cover

• Extreme sports unless you add an adventure rider. Even hiking above 3,000 m may be excluded.
• Pre-existing conditions — must be declared, often pay extra. Some 2026 policies now offer “pre-existing condition waivers” for an additional premium.
• Pandemics — most 2026 policies still exclude voluntary cancellation due to outbreaks, though COVID-19 medical coverage is increasingly included.
• High-value electronics beyond a per-item cap (often €500). Protect your gear with a RFID Wallet (€11.90) and secure your bags with a Luggage Lock (€14.90).
• Damage caused while under the influence.
• War zones, nuclear incidents, and acts of terrorism in certain regions.

Annual vs single-trip

If you travel 3+ times a year, an annual multi-trip policy is cheaper — typically €70–150 for worldwide cover. Single-trip is fine for occasional travelers. Backpackers doing a 6-month trip should look at specialised long-stay policies (€180–300).

How much should it cost?

• Europe weekend: €5–10
• Two weeks worldwide: €20–40
• Annual multi-trip worldwide: €70–150
• Backpacker 6-month worldwide: €180–300

Premium cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire, Revolut Metal) include travel insurance — check coverage before duplicating. However, card insurance often lacks repatriation and may have lower medical caps.

Top insurers compared for 2026

How to pick a policy

1. Medical cover of at least €1,000,000.
2. Repatriation included — check the wording carefully.
3. Cancel-any-reason add-on if booking expensive non-refundable trips.
4. 24/7 English-language emergency line — test it before flying.
5. Read the fine print on adventure sports exclusions.

When to claim

• Always file a police report within 24h for theft — insurers require it.
• Keep all medical receipts and itemized invoices.
• Submit your claim within 30 days of the incident.
• Take photos of damaged items before discarding them.

For more safety tips while travelling, read our Solo Travel Safety Tips guide. And if you are planning a complex itinerary, check out How to Plan a Multi-Country Trip.

Additional resources

• World Nomads — adventure-friendly policies
• SafetyWing — nomad-focused insurance
• Which? Travel Insurance Guide — independent UK comparisons

The cheapest policy is the one you have and read

A €25 policy you understand beats a €100 policy you assumed would cover you. Review your policy details before every trip — 2026 exclusions differ from 2025. Pair your cover with a RFID Wallet to protect your documents and a Luggage Lock for hostel lockers. Travel smart, travel insured.