International Travel Insurance – What Should You Prepare Before You Go?

Why Travel Insurance Is Essential

Every international journey brings excitement, but also potential risks—whether expected or unforeseen. Accidents, illness, lost luggage, or flight cancellations can turn your dream trip into a stressful and expensive ordeal.

International travel insurance helps you minimize financial risks when abroad. Whether you're travelling for vacation, business, or studying, having the right insurance policy shows responsibility—not only to yourself but also to those who care about you.

In some countries, travel insurance is even mandatory for visa applications. Even where it’s optional, it remains a small investment for much greater peace of mind throughout your trip.

What You Need to Know Before Buying Travel Insurance

1. Understand Your Destination and Purpose of Travel

Not every insurance plan fits every journey. A short vacation differs from a long-term business trip. International students need different coverage compared to adventure travellers or those visiting remote regions.

Some countries require minimum health insurance coverage as a visa condition. For example, Schengen visa applicants must have a policy covering at least €30,000 in medical and repatriation expenses.

👉 Before choosing a policy, clarify:

• Length of stay

• Destination country

• Purpose of travel (leisure, work, study, visiting family, etc.)

2. Choose the Right Coverage Limits

Travel insurance goes beyond emergency medical costs. A comprehensive policy should include:

• Emergency medical treatment

• Trip cancellation or delays

• Lost luggage or travel documents

• Personal accident coverage

• Emergency evacuation or repatriation

If you have pre-existing conditions (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure), check whether the policy covers them. This is a frequently overlooked detail but could be critical in a medical emergency.

Higher coverage limits mean a higher premium—but also better protection in case of serious incidents.

3. Compare Reputable Insurance Providers

Not all insurers offer the same level of service. When selecting a provider, consider:

• Brand reputation

• Global support network

• Real customer reviews

• 24/7 customer assistance

• Transparent and efficient claims process

Well-known names like Allianz, Manulife, AIG, or Blue Cross are often trusted. However, it’s crucial to read the fine print, especially the exclusion clauses, to avoid surprises.

4. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

A common mistake is buying insurance just before departure. Doing so could cause you to miss out on key benefits—especially those related to trip cancellation due to unforeseen events (like illness, epidemics, or natural disasters).

Ideally, purchase your travel insurance right after booking your flight or first travel service. This ensures that your entire trip is covered from start to finish.

Also, some plans have a waiting period of several days before certain benefits take effect—another reason to avoid late purchases.

5. Keep Copies and Emergency Contacts Handy

After purchasing travel insurance, be sure to store:

• A printed or PDF copy of your insurance policy

• The 24/7 emergency hotline number

• Your policy number

Save these in multiple places: your phone, email, printed copy in your luggage, etc. In an emergency abroad, having access to this information quickly can make a huge difference in how fast and effectively you're assisted.

A Small Step for Big Peace of Mind

International travel insurance is more than just a cost—it’s a safety plan for your health, finances, and mental peace. With premiums often equal to the cost of a single dinner, you’re essentially purchasing the ability to fully enjoy your journey without unnecessary worries.

At TikiWealth, we understand that every journey is unique. Our expert advisory team is ready to:

• Assess your specific travel needs

• Compare policies from trusted providers

• Recommend the most suitable plan with transparency and no hidden terms

You plan your journey. We protect it.
Let TikiWealth be your trusted companion—starting from day one.