What Travel Insurance Actually Covers (In Plain English)

Travel insurance covers five main things: emergency medical and hospital care, emergency evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or damaged baggage and gear, and personal liability — but the details and exclusions vary a lot between policies. Here’s what each one means.

The pillars, explained

• Emergency medical & hospital — treatment if you get sick or injured abroad. The most important cover; aim for a high limit ($250k+).
• Evacuation & repatriation — getting you to proper care, or home, in a serious emergency. This can cost tens of thousands on its own.
• Trip cancellation / interruption — refunds if you have to cancel or cut a trip short for a covered reason. Common in holiday policies, less so in nomad ones.
• Baggage & gear — replaces lost, stolen or damaged luggage. Electronics are often capped low — check the limit for your laptop and camera.
• Personal liability — if you accidentally injure someone or damage property.

The exclusions that catch people out

• Pre-existing conditions not declared.
• Adventure activities (diving, motorbikes, trekking at altitude) unless added.
• Alcohol/drug-related incidents.
• Valuables left unattended or not in a locked place.
• Regions under government travel warnings.

Ready to choose? See the best travel insurance for digital nomads and a real claim story. More in Nomad Life.

Frequently asked questions

What does travel insurance cover?

The core is emergency medical and hospital care, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and often trip cancellation or interruption, lost baggage and gear, and personal liability. Exact cover varies by policy.

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions (unless declared), incidents while intoxicated, high-risk activities not added to the policy, valuables left unattended, and travel to regions under official warnings.