A broken leg on a ski slope, a stomach infection in New York or a cancelled flight home can cost far more than the whole trip. International travel insurance is the safety net that pays for emergency medical treatment, getting you home and other losses while you are abroad. It is also mandatory for some visas, including the Schengen visa.
This guide explains what a policy normally covers, how much cover you need, how to handle pre-existing conditions, common exclusions and how to claim. It draws on guidance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Australia's Smartraveller and the European Commission. We do not recommend specific insurers; compare policies yourself and read the policy wording.
Table of contents
- Why international travel insurance matters
- What does international travel insurance cover?
- 11 checks before you buy
- How does international travel insurance work?
- How much international travel insurance do I need?
- International travel insurance with pre-existing conditions
- Common exclusions
- International travel insurance cost and who should buy what
- Plan the rest of your trip
- FAQ
Why international travel insurance matters
The UK government's foreign travel insurance guidance gives examples of what travellers could pay without insurance: £25,000+ for breaking a leg in Spain with hospital treatment and possible repatriation, £80,000+ for a quad bike accident in Greece needing surgery and evacuation, and £150,000+ for a stomach bug or infection treated in a US hospital with possible repatriation. Australia's Smartraveller gives similar advice: if you cannot afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel.
What does international travel insurance cover?
| Cover | What it pays for |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical | Hospital treatment, doctors, medicines |
| Emergency transport and repatriation | Ambulance, air evacuation, flight home on medical grounds, repatriation if you die abroad |
| Cancellation and curtailment | Prepaid costs if you must cancel or cut short a trip for a covered reason |
| Baggage and belongings | Lost, stolen or delayed luggage, up to limits |
| Travel delay | Expenses for long delays |
| Personal liability | If you accidentally injure someone or damage property |
| 24-hour assistance | Helpline to arrange treatment and transport |
Not every policy includes all of these. Read the schedule of benefits and limits.
11 checks before you buy
The FCDO suggests checking that your policy covers:
- The full length of your trip (many policies have a maximum trip length).
- Treatment in state or private hospitals.
- Emergency transport such as an ambulance, often charged separately.
- Pre-existing medical conditions, declared honestly.
- All activities you plan, such as skiing or diving.
- Every country you visit, even in transit.
- Repatriation if you or a family member die abroad.
- Getting home after treatment if you cannot use your original ticket.
- Costs for a relative or friend to stay with you or accompany you home.
- A 24-hour assistance helpline.
- Airline or travel company failure, which is typically not covered unless stated.
How does international travel insurance work?
You buy a policy for a single trip or a year of trips (annual multi-trip). If something goes wrong, call the insurer's emergency assistance line as soon as you can, especially before major treatment. The insurer may pay the hospital directly or reimburse you after you submit receipts and reports. You usually pay an excess, the first part of each claim.
Carry your policy number and the emergency phone number, and share them with family at home, as the FCDO advises.
How much international travel insurance do I need?
There is no single right figure; it depends on where you go and your health. The US is among the most expensive places for medical care, so many travellers choose high medical limits there. For Schengen visas, the European Commission requires medical insurance covering emergency care, hospitalisation and repatriation; many consulate checklists set a minimum of EUR 30,000, so check yours, and see our Schengen visa for Indians guide. Choose limits that would realistically cover a hospital stay and evacuation in your destination.
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International travel insurance with pre-existing conditions
Declare all existing conditions, including those under investigation, and any medicines you take. The FCDO warns that failing to declare something may invalidate your policy. You may pay a higher premium, or need a specialist insurer. International travel insurance for seniors often has age limits or extra screening, so start comparing early.
Common exclusions
- Undeclared medical conditions.
- Incidents involving alcohol or drugs.
- Adventure sports not added to the policy.
- Travel to destinations your government advises against; the FCDO notes this may invalidate insurance.
- Unattended belongings and cash above limits.
- Known events, such as a strike announced before you bought the policy.
International travel insurance cost and who should buy what
Price depends on age, destination, trip length, cover limits, excess and medical history. Compare policies on cover first, then price. Specific situations:
- Indian citizens: buy from insurers registered with India's regulator, IRDAI, or from licensed insurers where you live.
- UK residents: a GHIC or EHIC gives access to state healthcare in the EU but, as the FCDO says, is not an alternative to travel insurance.
- Workers moving abroad: standard travel insurance is for trips, not living abroad. Use it to cover the gap until your employer's health insurance starts.
Plan the rest of your trip
Find better fares with our cheap international flights guide. Moving for work? See our travel to Dubai for job checklist and emigration clearance guide.
Rules change. Visa, emigration and insurance requirements are set by governments and consulates and can change without notice. Always confirm on the official website linked in this article before you pay, book or travel.
FAQ: international travel insurance
What does international travel insurance cover?
Typically emergency medical care, emergency transport and repatriation, cancellation, baggage, delay, personal liability and a 24-hour helpline, up to policy limits.
Is travel insurance required for a Schengen visa?
Yes. You need medical insurance covering emergency care, hospitalisation and repatriation; check your consulate's minimum amount.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Only if you declare them and the insurer accepts them. Undeclared conditions can invalidate your policy.
Is a GHIC a replacement for travel insurance?
No. The UK government says EHIC and GHIC do not cover private healthcare, repatriation or extra costs like mountain rescue.
When should I buy travel insurance?
As soon as possible after booking, so cancellation cover starts early.
Read next
- Emigration clearance for Gulf jobs: ECR guide
- Travel to Dubai for job: step-by-step checklist
- Schengen visa for Indians: documents, fees and timing
- Cheap international flights: 12 proven tactics
- More Travel Insurance guides
- About Work Abroad Travel
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About the author: Sumit Manwal
Sumit Manwal is the founder of Hospitality Vacancy, the job site built for the hotel industry. He is passionate about helping hotel management students and hospitality professionals build successful careers, and connects talented people with hotel jobs across India, the Gulf and Europe. On Work Abroad Travel he writes clear, practical travel guides for people moving abroad for work, from visas to flights and insurance, so every reader can make confident decisions about their work and life. He tests advice against what employers and students actually ask him, and links to official sources wherever they exist.
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