Most “best travel insurance” pages just list logos. Here is what actually separates a good policy from a bad one, so you can compare with your own eyes before you buy.
The five numbers that matter
- Medical coverage limit — for Schengen trips this must legally be at least €30,000; for everywhere else, aim higher if you are going to the US or Canada, where treatment costs are high.
- Excess/deductible — what you pay before the insurer pays anything. Zero excess is best.
- Trip cancellation limit — matters most if you have prepaid non-refundable bookings.
- Baggage and delay cover — small compared to medical, but useful.
- Pre-existing condition clause — read this before you buy if you have any ongoing health condition.
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Single trip vs annual multi-trip
If you take more than two international trips a year, an annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than buying single-trip cover each time. If you travel once a year or less, single-trip is simpler and often cheaper overall.
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Who actually needs to check the fine print most
- Anyone applying for a Schengen visa — the €30,000 minimum is a hard legal requirement.
- Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition.
- Families travelling with children or elderly parents — check per-person vs family limits.
This page will be updated as we compare specific providers directly. For now, use the five numbers above on any policy you are considering, before you look at the price.
Trip includes a Schengen country? Read our dedicated breakdown of the €30,000 Schengen insurance rule — it is a legal minimum, not a recommendation.