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Travel insurance tips: How to choose the right travel insurance policy

Team AckoNov 11, 2025

Planning your next adventure? Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a month-long vacation, or a work trip abroad, chances are purchasing travel insurance has probably taken a backseat on your to-do list. However, having the right travel insurance policy can make all the difference in unexpected situations. But with so many options available, how do you make the right choice?

In this guide, we break down the how's and what's of travel insurance for you. Continue to read and explore!

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Contents

Know What You Need Before You Travel
10 Tips to Choose the Right Travel Insurance
Balance Travel Insurance Coverage with the Cost
How to Choose Travel Insurance for Different Travellers?
Putting It All Together for the Perfect Travel Insurance Policy
Frequently Asked Questions

Know What You Need Before You Travel

Before you start comparing travel insurance plans, take a moment to think about your trip:

Where are you travelling? Countries with high medical costs may need higher coverage.
How long is your trip? A short weekend trip may need minimal cover, while longer trips usually need comprehensive protection.
What activities will you do? Adventure activities like trekking, skiing, or scuba diving often require special add-ons.

Planning just the basic details of your trip can make selecting the right travel insurance much easier.

10 Tips to Choose the Right Travel Insurance

Here are some tips for picking the right travel insurance policy to help you make an informed and confident decision. Look out for:

1. Duration of policy

Make sure the policy covers the entire duration of your trip. For example, if you're taking a two-week vacation, make sure the policy covers the full two weeks, not just the first week.

2. Claim limit

Before buying a travel insurance policy, it's important to check the claim limit of the policy. The claim limit is the maximum amount that the insurer will pay out for a claim. Make sure the claim limit is high enough for your needs. You should always err on the side of caution.

3. Type of policy

There are different types of travel insurance policies, such as single-trip and annual policies. Single-trip policies are great if you're only taking one trip per year, while an annual policy can be a cost-effective option if you're a frequent traveller. Make sure you choose the right type of policy for your needs. For example, if you're a backpacker or a digital nomad and you travel frequently, an annual policy may be a better option for you.

4. Consider the type of trip and activities

When you’re choosing travel insurance, the type of trip you plan on taking and the activities you shortlist play a very important role. For example, if you're planning a backpacking and trekking trip, make sure you have coverage for associated adventure activities such as paragliding.

5. Check coverage provided

Before you buy any insurance policy, take a good look at what's covered. You'll want to ensure your policy includes coverages like trip cancellation, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.

6. Consider the exclusions

It's important to know what is not covered in the policy. For example, make sure to find out if the policy excludes coverage for pre-existing medical conditions or is it an inclusion. It's better to be safe than sorry, and knowing the exclusions beforehand can help you make an informed decision and apply for a claim accordingly.

7. Compare prices

Don't just go with the first policy you see, shop around! Compare prices from different insurers to make sure you're getting the best deal. It's always better to save some money while still getting the coverage you need.

8. Read the fine print

One of the key factors for travel insurance choice is understanding exactly what your policy covers. Always read the fine print before buying as it helps you know what’s included, what’s not, and ensures you know what you're signing up for.

9. Check for additional coverage options

Some policies may offer additional coverage options like coverage for adventure sports, terrorism or political evacuation. Therefore, be sure to look into any additional coverage options that might be helpful for your trip.

10. Check online reviews

Spend some time browsing through customer reviews. This activity will let you know how supportive the insurer really is when it comes to fulfilling their promise of providing financial assistance in case things go wrong on a trip.

Balance Travel Insurance Coverage with the Cost

Less coverage with a low-cost policy defeats the purpose of saving money during a crisis. Also, spending carelessly on all kinds of coverage, which might not be needed, is not a good idea. Consider the following points to achieve a balance of coverage and cost while insuring your trip.

Trip cancellation: Unexpected events such as natural disasters, illness, or family emergencies can force you to cancel your trip. A good travel insurance policy will cover the cost of your trip if you have to cancel your plans.
Medical emergencies: If you fall ill or have an accident while travelling, medical expenses can quickly add up. Pick a policy that covers the cost of your medical care, including emergency evacuation if needed.
Lost or stolen belongings: No one wants to think about their belongings getting lost or stolen while travelling, but it can happen. Ensure buying a policy that covers the cost of replacing your belongings.
Additional benefits: Some policies may offer additional benefits such as coverage for flight delays, lost or delayed baggage, and trip interruption.
Peace of mind: With the right travel insurance coverage, you can have peace of mind while on your trip, knowing that you're protected in case of unexpected events.

In short, when thinking about how to choose travel insurance, don’t focus only on cost. Prioritising coverage can make all the difference. A little extra investment in a good travel insurance policy can go a long way in protecting you and your trip.

How to Choose Travel Insurance for Different Travellers?

We understand that each traveller has different needs and purposes to make a trip.Here’s how to choose travel insurance based on your travel style:

Student: Prioritise medical coverage and study-related add-ons.
Solo traveller: Ensure emergency evacuation and 24/7 assistance are included.
Senior citizen: Check for pre-existing condition coverage and higher medical limits.
Family: Consider policies that cover all family members under one plan.
Adventure traveller: Make sure your activities are included in the coverage.

No matter what kind of traveller you are, there are travel insurance plans designed to fit your needs.

Putting It All Together for the Perfect Travel Insurance Policy

In conclusion, travel insurance can be a lifesaver, but choosing the right policy can be challenging. However, by following our tips and considering things like the length of coverage, type of policy, and coverage offered, you can make a smart choice. Additionally, don't forget to check for exclusions related to COVID-19. Now that you know how to choose the right policy, you can focus on the fun stuff and enjoy your next adventure with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common queries about how to pick the best travel insurance have been addressed in this section.

How do I choose the right travel insurance policy?

When choosing travel insurance, consider the duration of your policy, the type of policy that's most suitable for your needs, and the coverage provided. You should also check for exclusions, compare prices from different insurers, and check the claim limit and the insurer's claim settlement ratio.

Is it better to buy travel insurance when I book my trip or later on?

It's generally better to purchase travel insurance at the same time as you book your trip. This way, you can be financially compensated in case you have to cancel your trip.

I'm only taking a domestic trip. Do I still need travel insurance?

While travel insurance is not strictly necessary for domestic trips, it can still provide valuable coverage in case of unexpected events. These unforeseen occurrences include things like travel cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen property.

Can I purchase travel insurance if I am suffering from a pre-existing medical condition?

It depends on the policy. Some policies exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, so it's important to check the exclusions of the policy before purchasing.

Will travel insurance cover my trip if I have to cancel it due to COVID-19?

It depends on the policy and the reason for cancellation. Some policies may have specific exclusions for cancellations related to COVID-19, while others may offer coverage for trip cancellations due to COVID-19 under certain circumstances. Furthermore, certain policies might also include specialised protection for COVID-19 and quarantine-related emergency medical costs. For this reason, it's essential to read the policy and comprehend the coverage prior to making a purchase.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.