How to choose the right insurance policy for a trip abroad?

When choosing a travel insurance policy, it is important to consider several key aspects: the type of insurance, available coverage, the amount of indemnity, and some other nuances. Find out how to choose the right insurance and what other important details you should consider when taking out travel insurance

Take care of reliable insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Insurance not only ensures safety and comfort while traveling, but is also a mandatory requirement for entry into most countries around the world. We provide detailed information about the types of insurance, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as tips on choosing a policy and where to buy insurance for travel abroad.

For more information on obtaining insurance for entry into Ukraine during martial law, read here.

Do you need insurance to travel abroad?

Usually, travel insurance is mandatory for traveling abroad, especially to countries with a visa regime. But do you need insurance to travel abroad without a visa? Our answer is yes, because in any country in the world, a tourist may need to seek medical attention. And, as we know, the cost of diagnosis and treatment in case of illness, injury, or accident abroad is extremely high.

Moreover, insurance for traveling abroad usually has much broader coverage and compensates, for example, for expenses in case of lost luggage or flight delays. For more information about cases other than illness in which you can receive compensation from an insurance company, follow the link.

By the way, you can read more about insurance requirements for visas in different countries in our previous article.

What kind of insurance do you need to travel abroad and how to choose the right policy?

One of the most common questions is what insurance is required for traveling abroad. The answer depends on several factors. When choosing insurance, it is important to consider each of these points:

1. Country of destination. Depending on the country you are traveling to, different amounts of insurance coverage and conditions may be required. For example:

– For EU countries or the Schengen area, there are clearly defined conditions – travelers must take out medical insurance for traveling abroad for an amount of at least €30,000 for the entire period of their stay.

– For countries where the cost of medical care is high, such as the US, Canada, or Australia, it is recommended to take out insurance for at least $50,000.

– For trips to Asia or Africa, where the climate is different and the diet varies significantly, you should take out insurance for at least $50,000.

2. Duration of the trip. Depending on the duration of your trip, you may need a single-trip or multi-trip policy. A single-trip policy is valid for one trip only, while a multi-trip policy (usually insurance for traveling abroad for a year) can cover several trips during the year.

3. Type of leisure activity or purpose of travel. Consider your plans during the trip and choose the necessary insurance package. For example, there is insurance for work or a residence permit, as well as sports insurance for traveling abroad, which covers injuries and illnesses, or accidents related to skiing. The Visit Ukraine website offers various medical and travel insurance packages for Ukrainians, as well as medical insurance covering war risks for foreign citizens planning to travel to Ukraine. Depending on the insurance package you choose, the coverage will vary, so you can select the options you need for your trip.

In which cases travel insurance will not cover your medical expenses is discussed in this article.

The price of insurance for traveling abroad: how is it calculated and what does it depend on?

Another common question among tourists is how much insurance for traveling abroad costs. The answer to this question also depends on several factors. So, after choosing the type of policy that meets all your needs, it is important to pay attention to the following criteria, which will determine the level of protection of the insured person and, of course, will affect the price of insurance for travel abroad:

1. Insurance amount: This is the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay in the event of an insured event. It is recommended to take out insurance for traveling abroad with a higher insurance amount (for example, 50 thousand euros or more) for broader coverage. And the additional costs of an extended policy should be considered an investment in your own safety.

2. Deductible: This is the amount that the tourist must pay independently in the event of an insured event. The higher the deductible, the less compensation you will receive, but the policy will be cheaper. It is important to balance the amount of the deductible with your needs and financial capabilities so that your travel insurance covers most of the risks involved.

3. Coverage: Consider the list of risks and situations covered by the policy. Medical assistance, trip cancellation, luggage, and third-party liability — the more coverage, the higher the level of protection. However, to keep the price of insurance for traveling abroad from breaking the bank, choose only the coverage that is really necessary for your plans.

4. Terms and conditions: Carefully read the rules and restrictions of the policy to make sure they fit your plans. Often, the cheapest insurance for traveling abroad has very limited coverage and a high deductible. In addition, you need to consider the age of the insured person, because often insurance for a child traveling abroad or an elderly person has significant differences and coverage.

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Car insurance for traveling abroad: when is it needed and where to get it?

Another common question among travelers is where to get insurance for traveling abroad by car. The answer is simple: if you plan to travel to one of the 44 member countries of the international Green Card system (which includes all European countries, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Israel, Morocco, and Tunisia), you need to obtain a Green Card. In all other cases, you will need to obtain local motor insurance.

A Green Card is compulsory insurance for traveling abroad in a car with foreign (in our case, Ukrainian) registration of the international type. Without such an insurance policy, you will not be allowed to leave the country, and if the term of such insurance expires before you return to your country of permanent residence, the driver faces not only a high fine, but also deportation from the country with a subsequent entry ban. However, you can apply for a Green Card policy online, even when you are outside Ukraine.

The main advantage of a single international system is that car insurance is valid in all member countries of the agreement. You do not need separate policies for different countries, because the Green Card will protect you everywhere.

You can get a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine website in just a few clicks from any gadget for the period you need. The price of car insurance is fixed and depends on the term of coverage. You can calculate the cost of car insurance for traveling abroad and get a policy by following the link.

If a foreigner plans to travel to Ukraine by car, in addition to the Green Card, they can take out additional Mini Hull insurance, which, depending on the coverage selected, provides compensation in the event of an accident, natural disasters, and even the consequences of military actions. You can take out this insurance online on the Visit Ukraine website.

How does insurance for travelers abroad work?

If an insured event occurs, you need to call the phone number indicated in the policy. The assistance company operator will provide the necessary information and assistance, organize treatment and other necessary procedures.

In urgent situations, such as a heart attack, the tourist should contact the hotel staff or call an ambulance, and then notify the assistance company about the insured event. It is important to keep all documents and receipts for submitting an insurance claim.

There are two ways to receive insurance compensation:

1. Direct payment for medical services:

The company pays directly for the medical services provided. The tourist receives assistance free of charge within the limits of the policy coverage.

2. Reimbursement after return:

– The tourist pays for medical services during the trip.

– After returning home, the tourist submits receipts and other documents to the insurance company.

– Receives reimbursement from the company for expenses within the coverage of the policy.

Online insurance on the Visit Ukraine website

You can buy insurance for travel abroad online with a payment guarantee on the Visit Ukraine website. We offer insurance policies with different levels of coverage and insurance programs from 3 days to 1 year. Take out travel insurance, medical insurance, or car insurance for traveling abroad and feel safe outside your home!

For foreign citizens planning to visit Ukraine, the website offers: medical insurance with coverage for war risks and car insurance with extended coverage.

Remember that reliable insurance for traveling abroad is the key to your confidence while traveling. Don't risk your finances and health, choose insurance with a payment guarantee on Visit Ukraine and let your travels leave only pleasant memories.

We remind you! Medical insurance with coverage for military risks is a key document for foreigners planning to travel to Ukraine. Read about the available rates, what the insurance covers, and how to purchase it through Visit Ukraine in our previous article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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