What you actually need, what you can skip, and what the fine print hides. Six coverage types explained — no jargon.
Not insurance advice. This guide explains how travel insurance works for planning purposes. Read any policy's full terms before purchasing. Prices and coverage vary significantly by provider, age, destination, and trip cost.
Most comprehensive policies bundle several of these. Understand each before comparing quotes.
Covers hospital bills, emergency treatment, and medically necessary evacuation back to your home country. This is the most important coverage to have.
Typical cost: $30–80 for 2 weeks
Usually covered
Often excluded
Answer yes or no for each — get personalised guidance on what matters for your trip.
Is any part of your trip non-refundable?
Are you traveling outside your home country?
Are you doing adventure activities (skiing, diving, trekking)?
Do you have pre-existing medical conditions?
Are you renting a car?
Is this a long trip (3+ weeks) or long-term travel?
Not a recommendation — a starting point for your own research and comparison.
Best for: Adventure travelers, backpackers
Best for: Digital nomads, long-term travelers
Best for: Mainstream travelers, families
Best for: Comprehensive coverage seekers
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
Best for: Policy comparison shoppers
Already had a flight delayed or cancelled? That is not what travel insurance covers — under EU261 and similar rules you may be owed cash compensation directly from the airline. AirHelp checks eligibility free and takes a cut only if you win.
Check flight compensation eligibilityAffiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. AirHelp handles airline compensation claims; it is not travel insurance and does not replace a policy.
Before you click buy, check the policy documents for these.
No emergency evacuation coverage
A helicopter or medical flight can cost $50,000–$300,000. This is non-negotiable.
Low medical limits ($25,000 or under)
A week in a US hospital can exceed $30,000. Even abroad, serious conditions run high.
Pre-existing conditions excluded without option to waive
If you have any health history, an exclusion can leave you fully exposed.
Adventure activities excluded entirely
Even moderate hikes and snorkeling are excluded in some budget policies.
Very low baggage limits ($500 total)
Your electronics alone may exceed this — check sub-limits per item.
No 24/7 emergency assistance line
In a real emergency you need someone to call who speaks your language and knows local hospitals.
Call before you act
Most insurers require you to contact them before non-emergency treatment. Emergency? Get treated first, notify ASAP after.
Keep all receipts
Hospital bills, pharmacy receipts, transport receipts, hotel during delay — photograph everything immediately.
Get an official police report
For theft claims, a police report filed within 24 hours is usually required. No report = no claim.
Document the cause
Take screenshots of cancellation notices, flight delay notifications, airline emails — they're your evidence.
Once you know your coverage situation, let NostosRoute build your complete trip plan — costs, itinerary, hotel picks, and transit.