When planning a trip, the to-do list seems endless: flights, hotel, currency, a data plan. Travel insurance often ends up last – or forgotten altogether. Yet travel insurance is one of those things that seem unnecessary until the moment you need it. Emergency treatment abroad without cover can cost tens of thousands of dollars, a bill no card discount can make up for.
What does a policy usually include?
- Medical cover: hospital stays, surgery and, if needed, medical evacuation flights.
- Trip cancellation: reimbursement if you have to cancel because of illness or an emergency.
- Lost baggage: compensation for a lost or stolen suitcase.
- Flight delays: cover for accommodation and food during long delays.
Policies vary widely, from basic cover with low limits to comprehensive plans for long trips, so always read the small print.
How much does it cost?
The price depends on the length of the trip, the destination and your age. For a one-week trip, a policy usually costs a few dozen shekels. For backpackers travelling for months it costs more, but still far less than the risk of going without – a hospital stay in the United States, for example, can run to tens of thousands of dollars.
Who needs to pay special attention?
- Travellers with pre-existing conditions: make sure your condition is covered rather than excluded.
- Backpackers and long-term travellers: choose a flexible policy priced by the month.
- Adventure sports fans: surfing, skiing, skydiving and climbing are not always included in a standard policy.
- Families: check that children are covered, separately or within a family policy.
What to check before buying
- The maximum medical cover – is it enough for your destination?
- Whether there is an excess, and how much.
- How the policy defines a “pre-existing medical condition”.
- Whether extreme sports are covered, or can be added.
- How to make a claim from abroad and who approves urgent treatment.
When is the best time to buy?
Buy your policy right after booking your flight, not the day before you leave. That way, you are protected if something happens between booking and departure – some benefits, such as cancellation cover, may no longer apply if you buy at the last minute.
Travel insurance is not a luxury but a real financial safety net. For more, see our guides to comparing travel insurance prices, cancel for any reason insurance and handling medical emergencies abroad.
