Why you need a travel policy
Travel insurance protects against unexpected expenses abroad. In most countries medical care for foreigners is paid for and can be expensive, especially if hospitalisation, surgery or patient transport is required. A policy lets you receive help through the insurer's service company — the assistance provider — without having to pay for treatment yourself or wait for reimbursement afterwards.
For trips to a number of countries, for example the Schengen states, a policy is a condition for obtaining a visa, and the requirements for it — the minimum limit, territory and period — are set by the country of entry. But even where insurance is not formally required, it reduces financial risks for tourists, students, business travellers and those travelling with children.
Main risks and coverage options
A basic program usually includes medical expenses:
- outpatient and inpatient treatment for a sudden illness or injury;
- emergency dental care to a limited extent;
- medical transportation and return to the home country;
- repatriation in the event of the insured's death.
You can additionally include personal accident, lost or delayed baggage, flight delay, trip cancellation for valid reasons, third-party liability, legal assistance, and the cost of a relative's trip to visit a hospitalised traveller.
What is usually not covered
- treatment of chronic conditions and their routine monitoring, unless an exacerbation is separately included;
- events occurring under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- injuries from sports and active leisure without the corresponding policy extension;
- planned surgery, cosmetic procedures and pregnancy care, except in the cases specified;
- treatment received without the approval of the assistance provider, if the contract requires such approval;
- trips made for the purpose of treatment and events in regions excluded from the territory of cover.
What determines the price
The price of a policy is determined by the country or region of travel, the length of the trip, the traveller's age, the size of the medical limit and the set of additional risks. Extensions for skiing, diving or other active pursuits, and for exacerbation of chronic conditions, increase the cost. For frequent trips, an annual multi-trip policy with a cap on the number of days spent abroad per trip or per year is more cost-effective. A deductible lowers the price, but part of the expenses remains with the traveller.
How to choose a program and what to look for in the contract
- Territory and dates — whether all countries on the route are listed, including transit countries, and whether the policy period matches the travel dates.
- Medical expenses limit — whether it is sufficient for the destination and meets visa requirements.
- Deductible — whether there is one and how it applies.
- Active leisure — whether the planned sports and activities are listed.
- Assistance provider — 24-hour contact, support languages, ways to get in touch.
- Payment procedure — direct payment to the clinic or reimbursement after return, and the list of required documents.
What to do if an insured event occurs
- Contact the assistance provider immediately by phone or through the messenger stated in the policy, and give your contract number.
- Follow the assistance provider's instructions: go to the recommended clinic and do not pay large bills without approval.
- Keep medical reports, invoices, receipts, prescriptions, boarding passes and carrier certificates.
- In an emergency, get help first and then notify the assistance provider as soon as possible.
- After returning, submit a reimbursement claim within the period stated in the contract.
How Polis Re can help
Polis Re selects a policy to suit your route, purpose and type of trip, compares limits, exclusions and the quality of assistance across different insurers, checks compliance with visa requirements and advises which extensions are really needed. You can calculate an approximate cost in the travel calculator, year-round protection is supplemented by personal accident insurance, and medical care at home by voluntary health insurance. To arrange a program for a family or group, send a request to the broker.
