Travel Insurance Abroad: Coverage and What to Do in Case of a Claim

08.10.2026, 11:04 visitukraine.today

Travel insurance abroad: what the policy covers, how much it costs, and what to do in case of illness, injury, lost baggage or a delayed flight

Travel insurance abroad helps you avoid paying for medical treatment, hospitalisation, evacuation and other unexpected expenses during a trip. Find out which policies are available on Visit Ukraine, how medical insurance differs from travel insurance, how much the plans cost and what to do if an insured event has already occurred.

Travelling without insurance may seem like a way to save a few euros, but a single visit to a private clinic abroad can completely change your travel budget. At the same time, the most expensive plan is not always necessary for everyone: a short trip around Europe and a long-term stay require different types of protection.

Read also: Independent Travel in Europe: How to Avoid Overpaying

Travel insurance abroad is an agreement under which an insurer arranges or reimburses expenses covered by the policy while you are staying in another country. Depending on the plan, it may provide protection against medical risks, lost baggage, flight delays, document-related problems, road accidents and other situations.

The assistance service plays a key role. This is a 24/7 service that you should contact in the event of illness, injury or another event covered by the policy. The operator verifies the policy, confirms your location and arranges assistance or explains what to do next.

Insurance does not mean that every service abroad will be free of charge. The insurer operates only within the coverage amount, the limits of specific options, the policy territory and the exclusions specified in the contract. For example, a total coverage amount of €30,000 does not mean that the entire amount is available specifically for dental treatment or baggage.

Planning a trip to Europe? Arrange your insurance protection in advance with Visit Ukraine!

Medical insurance is primarily intended to cover expenses related to illness or injury. Basic coverage may include a doctor's consultation, diagnostics, treatment of acute illnesses and injuries, emergency care, hospitalisation, prescribed medication, transportation to a medical facility and emergency dental care.

Extended plans may include vaccination, obstetric care, repatriation, post-hospitalisation assistance, legal and interpretation services, as well as certain risks related to flights, baggage or vehicles. Everything depends on the specific plan, so before paying, check not only the product name but also the coverage table.

For a standard trip around Europe, the basic option is “Europe Classic”. It costs €0.78 per day, provides coverage of up to €30,000 and has a €150 deductible. The plan is suitable for visa applications and covers emergency outpatient and inpatient care, transportation to a medical facility, obstetric care up to the 28th week of pregnancy, COVID-19 treatment when prescribed by a doctor, emergency dental care, accident insurance and repatriation within the established limits.

If you need a higher treatment limit, you can choose “Europe Classic Plus”. Its discounted price is €0.93 per day, while the coverage amount is up to €50,000. The main difference from the basic plan is the increased limit for emergency medical care and transportation. The deductible remains €150, while separate limits for dental care, COVID-19 and accidents apply according to the terms of the policy.

For travel outside Europe, “Worldwide SILVER-VU” is suitable. The plan costs €2.40 per day and provides coverage of up to €30,000. It includes consultations, diagnostics, treatment, prescribed medication, ambulance services, outpatient and inpatient care, transportation to a medical facility, emergency dental care, vaccination, COVID-19 treatment, compensation for telephone communication and a benefit in the event of an accident. The main medical options have no deductible.

“Worldwide PLATINUM-VU” is a premium option costing €4.80 per day with a discount. It also provides medical coverage of up to €30,000, but includes 20 options and no deductible for most risks. Its main advantage is not just medical treatment, but protection in complex situations during a trip: flight delays, lost baggage, extended accommodation after hospitalisation, the return of children, the arrival of a family member, legal and interpretation assistance, as well as certain expenses resulting from road accidents or vehicle breakdowns.

Therefore, “Europe Classic” is suitable for a basic trip with minimal risks, “Classic Plus” for a higher medical limit in Europe, SILVER-VU for worldwide travel with extended medical protection, and PLATINUM-VU for those who need comprehensive travel coverage rather than medical treatment alone.

Planning to spend the winter in Europe? We have explained how to organise it! Read our article: Wintering in Europe 2026–2027: Documents, Accommodation and Budget

Medical insurance is generally not intended to cover planned treatment, preventive check-ups, cosmetic procedures or medical services that could have been obtained after returning home. Restrictions may apply to exacerbations of chronic conditions, pregnancy after a specified stage, alcohol intoxication, trips to combat zones and countries excluded from the policy territory.

Pay particular attention to active recreation. If you are planning to ski, dive, go hiking in the mountains, ride boats or take part in other sports activities, make sure they are included in the policy. An injury sustained during an ordinary walk and an injury sustained during a sports activity may be treated differently by the insurer.

A travel insurance policy is intended for short trips: holidays, sightseeing, business trips or visits to relatives. It may also cover illness, injuries, hospitalisation, ambulance services, transportation to a clinic, medication, emergency dental care and repatriation.

The difference between travel insurance and medical insurance lies in the additional protection it provides for the trip itself. Depending on the plan, travel insurance may cover lost baggage or documents, flight delays or cancellations, communication expenses with the assistance service, legal support, third-party liability and assistance in the event of a road accident.

Travel insurance is especially convenient for people travelling for a short period who want one policy covering several types of risks. If you are planning an active holiday, check whether diving, water sports, mountain routes, skiing or other activities are explicitly included in the plan.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

The cost of travel insurance depends on the country, trip duration, age and number of travellers, the insured amount and additional options. On Visit Ukraine, you can enter your destination, travel dates, number of travellers and their ages, after which the system will show the available offers.

The approximate price ranges from €0.53 to €2.15 per insured day. Extended coverage for baggage, flights, active sports or travel outside Europe may increase the cost. Before paying, check the limit for each risk and which documents will be required for reimbursement.

For a trip to Albania, travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement, but it is recommended because of potential medical expenses and other unforeseen situations. Similarly, you should assess not only the country's formal requirements but also the actual risks associated with your route.

Medical insurance is a better option if you are travelling for work or study, applying for a residence permit or staying abroad for an extended period. In these cases, the key factors are sufficient coverage, the validity period, the territory covered and compliance with the requirements of the country or institution.

Travel insurance is more convenient for a short holiday or business trip. It provides medical protection but may also cover baggage, flight delays, documents, vehicles and third-party liability. If you are travelling with hand luggage only and do not plan any active activities, a basic plan may be sufficient. If you are travelling with children, by car or with expensive equipment, consider extended coverage.

Criterion

Medical Insurance

Travel Insurance

Main purpose

Coverage of medical care

Protection of health and the entire trip

Suitable for

Work, study, long-term stays, visas

Holidays, sightseeing, business trips

Medical risks

Treatment, diagnostics, hospitalisation, ambulance, transportation

Emergency treatment, hospitalisation, ambulance, medication, dental care

Additional risks

Depending on the plan

Baggage, flights, documents, road accidents, legal assistance

Cost

From €0.78/day

Approximately from €0.53/day

Key factors when choosing

Coverage amount, deductible, territory

Limits for baggage, flights and sports, and reimbursement procedure

You can purchase both policies at the same time, but compare the terms first. If two policies cover the same treatment, paying twice does not necessarily result in double compensation. Combining them may make sense when medical insurance is required for a long-term stay while travel insurance adds protection for baggage, flights, sports or a vehicle.

Call the assistance service using the number provided in your policy. Give your full name, policy number, location, contact number and a brief description of the incident. The operator will tell you which clinic to visit or arrange a doctor, ambulance or hospitalisation.

Do not choose a private clinic yourself if the situation is not an emergency. Without prior approval, the expenses may not be reimbursed. If you had to pay for medical assistance yourself because of a life-threatening situation, keep all invoices, receipts, prescriptions, medical reports and proof of payment.

First, contact the carrier's representative at the airport. Ask them to issue a document confirming the delay, cancellation or loss of bagga