Travel insurance matters more than most people realise. When you’re abroad, even a simple visit to a doctor can cost far more than it would at home and a serious emergency can empty your savings in minutes. Insurance protects you from those unexpected medical bills and also helps when travel goes off-script—cancelled flights, long delays or lost baggage can quickly ruin a trip, but a good policy helps you recover your costs instead of absorbing the loss. It also gives you essential support during real emergencies, whether it’s an accident, sudden illness or unexpected events that disrupt your plans. And while many travellers assume their bank’s health cover is enough, it often isn’t, most bank-provided policies offer only limited overseas protection or exclude emergency treatment entirely, leaving you at risk when you need help the most.
Additional tips:
1. Review your bank’s built-in benefits – Some accounts include basic travel or medical cover, so know what you already have before buying more.
2. Always read the fine print – Understand limits, exclusions and whether activities like hiking, diving or motorbike riding are covered.
3. Carry proof of insurance – Many hospitals abroad require payment upfront unless you can show valid cover.
4. Use the insurer’s emergency hotline – They can guide you to approved hospitals and help handle documentation during stressful moments.
