Why travel insurance isn't just another expense — it's protection that can save you from serious financial consequences while travelling.
Many travellers see travel insurance as an unnecessary expense — until they need it. And when they do, the difference between “I have insurance” and “I don’t” can be thousands of euros. Here’s what you need to know before you leave on a trip.
What travel insurance covers
Basic travel insurance usually includes:
- Medical expenses abroad — the most important part. Hospital treatment abroad without insurance can cost tens of thousands of euros.
- Lost or damaged baggage — compensation if your suitcase doesn’t arrive or is damaged.
- Trip cancellation or interruption — coverage if you have to cancel or cut short your trip for medical or other justified reasons.
- Flight delay — compensation for expenses incurred during a long delay.
When insurance is mandatory
Some destinations require travel insurance as a condition of entry. Certain types of visas aren’t issued without proof of insurance. Even when it’s not legally required, insurance is a reasonable investment — especially for trips outside Europe or for family trips.
How to choose the right insurance
- Look for insurance that covers emergency medical conditions and pandemic situations — many policies now include this coverage.
- Check whether there’s an excess and how much it is.
- Read the exclusions — some policies don’t cover certain sports or pre-existing medical conditions.
When you book through Avionet, we can advise you on suitable travel insurance based on your destination, duration, and type of trip.
Key points
- Travel insurance isn’t an expense — it’s protection against unforeseen situations.
- The most important coverage is medical expenses abroad, which can be extremely high.
- Some destinations require insurance as a condition of entry.
- Before buying a policy, check the exclusions and the amount of the excess.