Travel insurance: a guide to cover options
Travel insurance protects you against unforeseen events such as overseas medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, baggage issues, and third-party liability. The best plans provide 24/7 assistance and limits appropriate to the destination (especially USA/Canada). Choose between single-trip, annual/multi-trip, or long-stay cover, comparing limits, deductibles, co-insurance, and exclusions.
In this guide, you will find what travel insurance covers, what it can cost, and how to choose the right solution for you.
What is travel insurance and how does it work?
A travel insurance policy reimburses (or settles directly) unexpected costs during your trip and provides access to a 24/7 assistance centre. Cover is modular: medical, cancellation, baggage, third-party liability, and delays/overbooking.
Types: single-trip, annual/multi-trip, long-stay
- Single-trip: covers one trip (from a few days up to ~60–90).
- Annual/multi-trip: covers all trips within the year, with a maximum number of days per trip (e.g., 30/45/60).
- Long-stay: ideal for study/work abroad (over 90 days).
Core benefits: medical, cancellation, baggage, third-party liability, repatriation
- Medical: consultations, emergency care, hospitalisation, medicines, medical transport and repatriation.
- Cancellation: reimburses non-recoverable costs for covered reasons (illness, bereavement, home damage).
- Baggage: theft, loss, or delayed delivery (often with sub-limits for electronics).
- Third-party liability: accidental damage to others and basic legal expenses cover.
What does it really cover (and what is often not covered)?
Overseas medical expenses and repatriation
Limits calibrated to the destination (higher for USA/Canada), direct settlement where available, and 24/7 Italian-language assistance. Alternatively, reimbursement after the event upon submission of supporting documents.Cancellation and trip interruption
Covers cancellation for objective reasons listed in the policy. It does not cover a change of mind. Some plans include trip interruption and flight delay cover.Baggage and flight delays
Benefits for loss/theft and reimbursement for essential items in the event of delay. Check per-item limits and sub-limits for devices.Exclusions, waiting periods and deductibles
- Common exclusions: events already known at purchase, undisclosed extreme sports, alcohol/substance abuse.
- Waiting periods: periods during which certain benefits are not active (e.g., cancellation).
- Deductibles/co-insurance: amounts payable by you for specific items.
How much it costs: key drivers and recommended limits
The premium varies based on destination, duration, age, limits, deductibles/co-insurance, sporting activities, and whether cancellation cover is included. In general:- Medical-only: essential for non-EU travel and typically more affordable.
- Comprehensive (medical + cancellation + baggage): broader and more expensive, but reduces residual risk.
- Annual/multi-trip: cost-effective if you take 3+ trips per year.
Indicative examples by region
- EU/UK: moderate medical limit; greater focus on cancellation and baggage.
- USA/Canada: high medical limit (tens/hundreds of thousands) + repatriation included.
- Asia/Oceania: check the hospital network and clauses relating to excursions/sports.
When an annual multi-trip policy makes sense
If you travel at least 3 times a year, a multi-trip policy is often more cost-effective and practical than multiple single-trip policies (check the maximum days per trip).Request your personalised policy
How to choose: a practical 8-step checklist
- Define destination and duration (EU/non-EU; USA/Canada?).
- Select medical limits appropriate to the region (higher for USA/Canada).
- Assess cancellation and interruption: which reasons are covered?
- Check repatriation, medical transport, and the 24/7 assistance centre.
- Review baggage cover: per-item limits and sub-limits for electronics.
- Read exclusions, waiting periods, and deductibles/co-insurance.
- Compare quotations across multiple providers and comparison platforms.
- Choose single-trip, annual/multi-trip, or long-stay cover based on your travel habits.
Quick coverage table (text format)
- Medical expenses → consultations, hospitalisation, medicines, emergency care (higher limits for USA/Canada).
- Repatriation/medical transport → medical return and organised transfers.
- Cancellation → reimburses non-recoverable costs for covered reasons (no “change of mind”).
- Baggage → benefits for theft/loss/delay (sub-limits for items/devices).
- Third-party liability → damage to others; limits vary.
- Sports/activities → often excluded or covered only with an extension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you really need travel insurance for Europe/USA?
In Europe, the EHIC only covers public healthcare and does not include repatriation. In the USA, medical costs are extremely high: it is advisable to choose a high li
Which medical limit should you choose?
For the EU/UK, a moderate limit is usually sufficient; for the USA/Canada, choose high limits and ensure medical transport/repatriation are included.
Does cancellation cover a change of mind?
No. It applies only to the reasons specified in the policy (illness, bereavement, home damage, etc.).
What is the difference between lost and delayed baggage?
Lost: a benefit up to the policy limit. Delayed: reimbursement for essential items within specified time limits.
When does an annual multi-trip policy make sense?
When you expect at least 3 trips per year, as it simplifies management and is often more cost-effective than multiple single-trip policies (watch the maximum days per trip).