How to choose travel insurance

For many people travel insurance is just a piece of paper for the visa. They buy the cheapest one and forget about it. Then a tooth aches abroad, an ankle gets twisted or a bag goes missing, and only then do they find out what the policy actually says. A few minutes spent reading the terms can save you a large bill later.

Where is insurance mandatory?

• Schengen countries. Medical insurance is required for a visa application. Cover must be at least €30,000 and include the whole Schengen area and every day of the trip. More in our Schengen visa guide.
• Georgia. Since 1 January 2026 foreign visitors entering as tourists must have health and accident insurance. Cover must be at least 30,000 lari, and the policy must be in English or Georgian, on paper or electronic. It must cover your whole stay, including arrival and departure days. See also our Georgia guide.
• Other countries. Several countries require insurance for a visa or for entry. Even where it isn't mandatory, it's worth having: treatment abroad can cost far more than at home.

Sum insured: how much is enough?

The sum insured is the maximum the insurer will pay for you. For a short trip to a neighbouring country the minimum requirement is usually enough. For countries with expensive healthcare, such as the US, Canada, Japan and Western Europe, a higher amount is the sensible choice. The price difference is often small; the difference in risk is large.

What to check in the policy

• Territory. Does it cover your destination and any countries you transit?
• Dates. Cover should start on your departure day and run until the day you return. Miss one day and you're unprotected on that day.
• Excess. The part of each claim you pay yourself. A no-excess policy costs a bit more, but small claims cost you nothing.
• Pre-existing conditions. Flare-ups of existing illnesses are often excluded from standard policies. If this applies to you, tell the insurer in advance.
• Active holidays. Skiing, diving or mountain hiking may need extra cover.
• Pregnancy. Many policies don't cover pregnancy-related costs after a certain week.

Add-ons: when do you need them?

A basic policy covers medical costs. You can also buy separate add-ons:

• Trip cancellation. If you've paid for an expensive non-refundable ticket or hotel, you can get part of the money back if illness or a visa refusal stops you from travelling.
• Baggage. Pays out if your bag is lost or delayed, on top of what the airline pays.
• Flight delay. Some policies pay a fixed sum for long delays. We cover your rights as a passenger in this article.

If something happens abroad

1. First call the 24-hour assistance centre listed in your policy. They will often direct you to a doctor or hospital.
2. If you have to pay yourself, keep all receipts, medical reports and prescriptions.
3. After you return, submit these documents to your insurer.

Keep your policy number and the assistance phone number on your phone and on paper, so you can reach them even if your phone breaks.

Quick checklist

• The policy covers your destination and every day of the trip.
• The sum insured meets the country's requirement.
• The document is in the required language.
• You have the assistance centre's number with you.

Insurance sorted? The next step is the ticket: compare flights on AviaBazaar. Going abroad for the first time? Have a look at these 10 tips too.

Note: terms vary between insurers. Read the full policy wording before you buy, and check countries' entry requirements with official sources.