The one travel document you hope you never use.

Why it matters

Your medical aid or home health cover may not pay abroad, or may pay only part of the bill. Emergency treatment, a hospital stay or a medical flight home can cost far more than the whole trip. Travel insurance is how most people turn that risk into a known, small cost.

For some trips it isn't optional at all. See where it's required.

What a policy usually covers

Every policy is different, but the UK government's guidance says to check that yours covers:

• The full length of your trip
• Hospital and medical treatment
• Emergency transport and repatriation (getting you home)
• The activities you plan to do
• Every country you visit, including transit stops

Many policies also cover cancellation, delays, and lost or stolen belongings. Check the limit and the excess for each section.

Common exclusions

Claims are most often refused for things people didn't realise were excluded. Common ones, according to UK and Australian government guidance:

• Alcohol or drugs. Incidents after drinking heavily or taking drugs.
• Risky activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, winter sports, off-piste skiing, or riding mopeds and quad bikes, unless you add them.
• Travel against government advice. Going somewhere your government advises against can invalidate cover.
• Unattended belongings. Bags left alone, or valuables left in a car.
• Undeclared medical conditions. See below.

Declaring medical conditions

Declare every existing medical condition, and any tests or treatment you're waiting for. UK government guidance warns that failing to declare something may invalidate your insurance.

A “pre-existing condition” is usually anything you've seen a doctor about or been treated for recently, often in the last two years. Insurers' definitions differ, so if you're unsure, ask before you buy, not after you claim.

Where insurance is required

These destinations require proof of insurance, checked on 9 Oct 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the official source before you travel.

More detail: Tanzania's mandatory inbound insurance and our Georgia guide.