By Tahir Abbas, Editor · Last updated 1 November 2026
Travel insurance covers the things that can go wrong on a trip: medical emergencies abroad, cancelled flights, lost luggage and travel delays. A single hospital stay overseas can cost more than a lifetime of travel premiums, which is why it is the one insurance frequent travellers never skip.
This guide explains what travel insurance typically covers, what it leaves out, who it suits, and how to compare policies before you buy.
What travel insurance typically covers
- Emergency medical treatment and repatriation
- Trip cancellation and curtailment
- Lost, stolen or delayed baggage
- Travel delays and missed departures
- Personal liability abroad, where included
What travel insurance typically does not cover
- Pre-existing medical conditions, unless declared and accepted
- Travel against government advice, on many policies
- Extreme sports and adventure activities, unless added
- Claims for events known before buying the policy
Who travel insurance is for
Anyone travelling abroad, and anyone taking expensive domestic trips. It matters most for travellers with health conditions, families, and anyone whose trip cost would hurt to lose.
How to choose and compare travel insurance
- Check the medical limit is high enough for your destination
- Compare cancellation limits against your trip cost
- Declare pre-existing conditions honestly
- Consider annual multi-trip cover if you travel several times a year
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Sources and Disclosure
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Plan features described here are general and vary by insurer and state; always read the sample policy before you buy. For the rules governing insurance in your state, see the consumer resources of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Disclosure: Being Insurance is an independent comparison site. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. That never changes which companies we list or the order we present them in.