7 Things to Look For When Choosing Travel Insurance

ByEmily Lush Hours Updated on

With so much uncertainty in the world of travel these days, only one thing’s for sure: Having a solid travel insurance policy has never been more important.

Disclaimer: This article is a sponsored collaboration with Globelink and is intended for general informational purposes only. Always do your own research before making any decisions regarding insurance.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Whether you’re planning a quick city break or you’re venturing off the beaten path to embark on the journey of a lifetime, one thing you definitely don’t want to travel without is insurance.

Comparing policies can be an overwhelming process if you don’t know what to look out for. It can be tempting to settle for the company with the lowest price, but you need to examine the policy on a deeper level to make sure it includes features that will actually help you during times of emergency.

And yes, that means reading the fine print!

How can you be sure your travel insurance policy won’t let you down when it matters most? Here are 7 features to look out for when buying annual travel insurance for your next journey.

Cover for baggage

Every time I’m standing at a baggage carousel waiting for my suitcase to appear, I always feel a sense of dread! I can’t imagine a worse way to start a trip than with missing luggage. Not only is it a huge inconvenience to have to go out and re-purchase your essentials, you might also have to adjust your itinerary in order to have your bags returned. This is one of the main reasons I always recommend travelling light with carry-on only whenever possible.

Still, lost, damaged or stolen baggage is a reality many travellers have to deal with.  Most travel insurance policies will have your back if this happens, but the level of coverage varies widely. Make sure your policy includes a generous allowance for baggage – £1,500 (2,000 USD) or higher is a good benchmark.

If your bag gets lost or damaged during a flight, making a claim can be tricky. For the best chance of success, you need to make sure you report the incident to the airline management within the specified timeframe. Always obtain a written copy of the report as well.

Tip: Never pack any valuables or important items (such as your camera battery charger) in your checked luggage. Before you zip-up, photograph the contents of your luggage so that you have a visual record of what was inside. This can come in very handy if you need to make a claim later.

Trip cancellation, curtailment or abandonment

This is something most of us have become all too familiar with in recent months. In the event that you need to reschedule a trip, cut your holiday short or totally abandon your trip, a good insurance policy will cover you for any paid expenses you can’t use or can’t be refunded.

A good policy will allow you to claim £2,000 (2,600 USD) or more – but only under certain circumstances. Make sure you read the policy terms and conditions thoroughly before making any advance bookings for your trip.

Missed departure

Ever been in one of those dreaded near-miss situations when you almost missed a flight? Cutting it close because you hate waiting around in the airport lounge is one thing – missing your flight because of circumstances that are out of your control is another.

A good insurance policy will cover you for additional travel-related expenses if you miss a departing flight or connection due to a situation you had no control over. This could be a prang in the taxi on the way to the airport, or getting stranded because of bad weather.

Look for coverage that will pay out £500 (660 USD) or more. To successfully claim on this feature, you need to present proof the fault doesn’t lie with you, such as a police statement.

Delays

If the fault lies with the transportation service you’re using to get to your destination, you may also be covered for expenses incurred as the result of a delay. 

Technical problems, mechanical issues or severe weather conditions – whatever the cause of the delay, your insurance provider should cover at least a portion of your expenses. Coverage is generally around £200 (260 USD) or higher – but the amount of compensation you can claim depends on the number of hours your trip was delayed.

Medical costs

One of the most important features of travel insurance is of course coverage for medical costs. It’s absolutely essential to have a policy that will cover any expenses incurred as the result of an emergency – whether it’s a common cold or something far more serious. Depending on your destination, having a solid policy can also improve your chances of receiving higher-quality medical care.

Ideally, a policy should provide a minimum of £1 million for travels around Europe and a minimum of £2 million for the USA. In most cases, pre-existing conditions and any medical care you need when you return home for your trip won’t be included.

Repatriation service

If you need to return home as a result of a medical emergency, this feature will cover the travel costs involved. This type of coverage is usually automatically included in your policy. Ongoing medical care you receive in your home country likely won’t be covered.

Cover for personal liability

This is a worst-case scenario and not something any traveller wants to experience. But accidents do happen. Personal liability will cover you if you unintentionally cause someone to be injured or something you do results in damage to another person’s property. This is particularly handy to have if you plan on driving a rental car.

A trusted policy will allow for at least £2 million to help you pay for damages.

Tip: It’s usually a good idea to take out additional insurance when renting a car. But the policies offered by hire companies can be a double-up on your travel insurance. Check what you’re covered for under your insurance policy before committing to any extras.

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