Best International Travel Insurance

Whether you’re a backpacker planning a hiking trip to the Netherlands or a grey nomad wanting to tick a few places off your bucket list, international travel insurance can offer you a wealth of protection when you’re overseas.

What you’re covered for depends on whether you take out basic or comprehensive travel insurance. Basic coverage will offer you some financial protection if you need medical treatment, or are involved in an incident where someone else was injured and you’re found to be personally liable. However, the claim limits tend to be lower on such policies, and the benefits offered are more limited. On the other hand, comprehensive coverage offers you a wider range of benefits, including:

• Medical and hospital expenses: If you get sick and require health treatment or a trip to the hospital, your insurer may assist to cover some of the costs, so you’re not left too much out of pocket.
• 24/7 assistance: Purchasing top-level travel insurance can potentially offer you the opportunity to contact your insurer day or night if you’re involved in an emergency and need your insurance company’s help.
• Emergency dental procedures: Chipped or cracked a tooth? If your teeth cause you pain while you’re on holiday, some insurers can provide you with coverage up to a set limit, often around $1,000.
• Accidental death: Comprehensive travel insurance may cover the cost of repatriation of your body and assist with funeral-related expenses if you die from an accident overseas.
• Permanent disability: If you’re left permanently disabled by an accident while you’re on your overseas getaway, some comprehensive policies can provide you with a payout of up to $50,000, as long as the accident is a covered event in your policy, and subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.
• Loss of income: Travel delays and unforeseen circumstances abroad can sometimes prevent you from returning home on time. If you can’t get back to work, your insurance company may cover your lost wages up to a specified limit.
• Cancellation or delay: If your flight is delayed or you need to call off your trip due to an injury or illness, your insurance policy may cover the costs of your flights, accommodation and any other non-refundable bookings due to an insured event. However, be aware that you may not be covered if you catch COVID-19 and have to cancel your trip within 72 hours of buying your policy.
• Luggage and other belongings: If your baggage is damaged, goes missing or is stolen, your insurer may reimburse you for the cost of replacing it, up to an agreed limit (which can range from less than $1,000 to $15,000.) Remember: always have your eyes on your bags, as leaving them unattended can void your claim. You can also take out specific coverage for valuable personal items such as your mobile phone or other devices you’re taking away with you.
• Rental car excess: Hiring a car in a city you’re exploring can be a handy way of getting around. If you’re involved in an accident, your insurance company may be able to cover your hire car excess, subject to eligibility and conditions.
• Delay of luggage: It can be frustrating if your luggage goes missing, or its arrival is delayed by your airline. Luckily, your insurance company may be able to reimburse you for some more important or urgent items, such as toiletries and clothes.
• Theft of cash: Pickpockets can strike when you least expect it. If you have a sum of money stolen, you may be able to claim up to $250 through your insurance companies. However, you may need to report any theft to local police authorities, and provide the crime report as supporting evidence.

When purchasing your insurance, insurers may also give you the option of either nominating the countries you need cover for, or opting for worldwide coverage. Some insurers may even let you add in countries after you’ve purchased your initial policy. It may possibly be cheaper to pick the countries you’re planning on travelling through, rather than opting for worldwide coverage. It’s also recommended to include stopover nations, even if you’re only planning to be in that country for a few hours.