The Complete Guide to International Travel Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

What to look out for before taking out travel insurance?

There are a number of steps that need to be considered before concludingtravel insurance: what types there are, what it covers, how to choose the right policy, how to act in an accident and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Many people think that nothing bad will happen to them and save on the cost of insurance.However, the reality is different.Here are just a few of the situations where it can be very important:

• Emergency medical assistance and treatment in the event of an accident or acute illness;
• Covid-19 cover (with some insurers) –Medical expenses, quarantine, travel cancellation;
• Hospitalization;
• Emergency operations;
• Prescription drugs;
• Emergency dental procedures;
• Medical evacuation and repatriation to the homeland if necessary;
• Companion and expenses of relatives in the event of an accident;
• Accidental death or permanent disability covered.

Chronic conditions often require additional coverage

• Lost/delayed checked baggage;
• Theft from a hotel or public transport;
• Baggage or belongings damaged during transport –recovery of the value of the damaged items;
• Loss of personal belongings and documents;
• Loss or theft of money (usually with a limit);
• Trip cancellation or interruption.

Sometimes the circumstances –illness, death of a loved one, subpoenas, etc. –force you to cancel or interrupt your trip.This coverage reimburses: 

• Additional costs when extending the stay;
• Unusable tickets;
• Hotel reservations;
• Tours and excursions;
• Other prepaid expenses.

Legal aid:Includes consultations with local lawyers and legal support for problems with local authorities –during detention, investigation, litigation, loss of documents.Covers legal costs in the event of accidents. 

Canceled or delayed flights:Airlines can cancel or delay flights for various reasons.The insurance may cover the cost of accommodation, meals and other charges incurred as a result of the delay.

Repatriation of mortal remains:Unfortunately, this is the most unpleasant but extremely important aspect of insurance.It covers the costs of transporting mortal remains to the homeland.

Civil liability to third parties:Covers financial claims if, during the trip, someone else's property is negligently damaged or bodily harm is caused to another person.This coverage will protect you from legal claims and damages.

Premature return or extension of stay for medical reasons

Assistance 24/7 in Bulgarian

The choice of insurance depends on many factors. 

• The purpose of the trip:Traveling for leisure, business or extreme sports?Insurance for skiing, snowboarding or other dangerous activities has more specific coverage and is more expensive than standard;
• Trip duration:For short trips (up to 30 days) you can choose an individual policy. Longer trips require a higher limit and wider coverage because the risk of unexpected events is higher.If you travel often, the insurance „Multitrip“is much more profitable.It covers all trips in a year, with a limit on the duration of each individual trip (e.g. up to 30 or 90 days).For long trips –over 90 days –special policies with different terms are usually required.The longer your trip, the more.Choose a policy that covers the entire period of your trip, including the day of departure and return;
• Destination:If traveling in countries with more expensive medicine, such as the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia, it is mandatory to choose insurance with a higher coverage limit (recommended above 50,000 euros).There are also minimum coverage limit requirements for Schengen countries.In some countries, the partner network of assistance companies is better developed and service is provided faster.Different destinations have different risks and needs.For example, some countries require mandatory medical insurance, while others have specific health risks such as malaria or tropical diseases.Therefore, it is good to read the recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local authorities for specific requirements and recommendations.
• The planned activities –if skiing, diving or other sports are planned, a policy with coverage for risky activities should be selected;
• Health statusof travelers;
• Baggage valueand whether it can be included in the insurance;
• Coverage limits:Don't just look at the price of the policy.Compare limits for medical expenses, baggage and other risks.A higher limit provides better protection. The minimum is EUR 10,000–30,000 for Europe, EUR 30,000–100,000 for countries with high medical prices.It is necessary to check whether the coverage limits correspond to the actual costs in the respective country;
• Additional coatings:Some insurers offer additional options that may be helpful.These include car rental insurance coverage, financial protection in the event of tour operator bankruptcy, or electronic equipment coverage.

Terms and exclusions

It is always a good idea to read the policy terms and conditions carefully.It is important to note the exclusions and limitations – situations that are not covered.Most policies do not cover accidents caused by the use of alcohol, drugs or pre-existing chronic diseases (unless otherwise agreed).

• Conditions for submitting a claim:They need to be stored all the documents and it is good to know in advance what must be presented in order to receive compensation;
• The offers:Online calculators or brokers present various offers;
• The reputation of the insurer–it is advisable to visit comparison sites or read reviews of other customers about the speed of service and payment of benefits; 
• The quality of customer service –it is good the insurer tooffers round-the-clock assistance in Bulgarian and has a network of partner hospitals in the destination;
• The franchisesor the excess in the event of an insured event;
• Procedures for submitting claims;
• Easy access to emergency contacts.

When thinking about taking out travel insurance, it is necessary to pay attention to the conditions that are NOT covered by the insurance.Restrictions are related to: 

• Treatment of pre-existing and chronic diseases (unless declared).They are covered only in case of sudden deterioration;
• Participation in extreme sports without additional coverage;
• Alcohol or drug use and subsequent incidents;
• Intentional actions;
• Acts of war or acts of terrorism;
• Travel to high risk areas;
• High risk activities if not expressly included in the policy;
• Dental services (except emergency care);
• Treatment that can be postponed until the return to Bulgaria.

There are several types of insurance: 

1. Standard policy– individual policy, the most common form – covers one person for a specific period, for one-time trips, with a fixed destination;
2. Family Insurance –for two or more people from a household, often with a discount;
3. Annual/ Multitrip policy– for people who travel frequently, with coverage for an unlimited number of trips during the year with a specified maximum duration of each;
4. Specialized shelves– for sports, adventure activities, service missions, training, students, business trips, cruise trips;
5. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance– refunds unused funds in case of unforeseen reasons for trip cancellation;
6. Group Insurance –suitable for group excursions, students, business delegations, etc.

Filing a claim

All insurance companies have similar overseas accident procedures and claims processes, but there may be differences that are good to know in advance.Once travel insurance has been purchased, it is important to know what to expect and how to use the policy in case of need.In the event of an insurance event, it is necessary to contact the assistance center.The phone number is listed in the policy, active usually 24/7.The employee must understand the situation - a medical problem, lost luggage or other incident.Specialists from the assistance center refer to the nearest hospital or doctor's office with which the insurer has a contract.

In the event of a medical emergency, seek medical attention immediately.It is then necessary to notify the insurer as soon as possible to obtain guidance and approval of the treatment or treatment facility.Usually no upfront costs are required because some insurers arrange everything directly with the treatment facility.For small amounts or in the case of minor accidents, it may be necessary to pay on the spot, and subsequently the costs will be reimbursed after providing documents. 

When filing the claim –regardless of the incident –a claim form is filled out and submit original documents or certified copies of medical documents, medical reports, police reports, reports, receipts, invoices, epicrisis and other evidence of expenses.In order for them to be paid out of the coverage, it is important to know the deadlines for submitting claims and to follow the instructions of the insurer.Normally, a claim for compensation must be made within 30 days of the event.The process should then be monitored and additional information provided as needed.

Before taking out the selected travel insurance, it is important to check the territorial coverage.Insurances are usually valid in Europe, worldwide (with or without USA and Canada), specific countries or regions.Certain countries with increased risk (eg war zones, epidemics) may be excluded or require an additional premium.

The age of the insured persons and their health conditions affect the conditions and the price of the policy.The period for which it is concluded is also important for the value of the Travel Assistance insurance –from 1 day to 1 year, the states, the coverage amount and the extras in the policy.The standard premium for a 7-day stay in Europe starts from about BGN 8-12, and an annual "multi-trip" for a whole year - from BGN 70.

Common mistakes that are usually made are:

• Don't read the general conditions;
• The cheapest one is chosen, without looking at the coatings;
• No diseases or risks are declared;
• Necessary documents are not kept in the event of an accident.

Practical advice

• The insurance must be taken out before leaving Bulgaria.No new policies are accepted after the start of the trip, and new risks are excluded.It is valid only outside Bulgaria and begins to run from the date of arrival abroad;
• The number of the assistance companyit is good to keep it in the phone;
• Passengers must be informed of the policy available– in the event of an accident, to know who to turn to;
• It is recommended to make the European Health Card(EHR) for the EU, but it is not a substitute for insurance; 
• With a credit cardit's a good idea to check if it includes travel insurance;
• For group travelthere are cheaper group policies.

For foreigners traveling through Bulgaria, travel insurance is particularly important, as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Bulgaria for non-EU citizens. 

Frequently asked questions