Compare International Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is the highest level of cover available and is the most appropriate choice for the majority of travellers heading abroad. It is particularly well suited to those who have made significant pre-paid travel costs – including flights, accommodation, and tours – as well as those travelling with high-value belongings, travelling to high-cost medical destinations such as the USA or Japan, or those who have pre-existing medical conditions they wish to declare and cover. If your only concern is emergency medical cover, a basic or medical only policy may be a more cost-effective option.

Remember travel insurance does not cover everything. Common exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions that have not been declared, injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, deliberate or reckless behaviour, and high-risk activities (like skydiving). Natural disasters that were already publicly known at the time of purchase are generally excluded as well; they’re typically called “known events”. Always read the Policy Wording carefully to understand the full exclusions that apply to your policy.

Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared when purchasing international travel insurance. Some conditions may be covered automatically, while others may require a medical assessment or attract an additional premium. If cover for a condition is declined, you can usually still purchase a comprehensive policy that covers all other benefits, just not claims related to that specific condition. Never travel without declaring a relevant condition, as failure to disclose could result in a claim being rejected.

Some countries – including Cubaand Thailand – require travellers to hold valid travel insurance as a condition of entry. A comprehensive policy will satisfy these requirements in most cases, but it’s worth confirming the specific cover levels required by your destination before purchasing. Even for destinations that don’t require it, the financial risk of travelling without comprehensive cover can be significant.

Many high-risk activities and extreme sports are not automatically covered under standard policies. If your trip includes activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or adventure sports, check the specific activity inclusions of your policy and add any necessary optional extras before you travel. Some activities require a dedicated add-on pack to be covered, while others may be excluded entirely regardless of the level of cover purchased.

If your trip includes a cruise, check whether cruise cover is included automatically in your policy or whether it needs to be added as an optional extra. The same applies to other specialist cover types, including pregnancy cover, rental vehicle excess, and high-value item cover. Comprehensive travel insurance provides the broadest base of protection, but understanding which add-ons are relevant to your trip ensures you’re not left with unexpected gaps in your cover.