The 10 most common mistakes when buying travel insurance (and how to avoid them)
Travel insurance is often bought at the last minute — at check-in or already at the airport. Haste leads to typical mistakes that can keep a policy from working exactly when you need it. Here are the ten most common ones.
1. Buying a policy when already abroad
Most policies are only valid if you are in Ukraine on the policy start date. Buying insurance retroactively while abroad won't work — and if it does, the insurer will refuse to pay.
2. Entering travellers' ages carelessly
Rates depend on age: prices are higher for travellers 60+. If the age in the quote doesn't match the date of birth in the passport, the price is recalculated — or, worse, the contract is declared void. Always check the details before signing.
3. Choosing minimum coverage for distant countries
For Europe the minimum €30,000 is usually enough. But in the USA, Canada or Japan healthcare is far more expensive — a day in hospital can cost several thousand dollars. Choose €50,000+ for such destinations.
4. Ignoring the deductible
The deductible is what you pay out of pocket per claim. A policy with a $100–200 deductible is cheaper, but minor doctor visits will be at your expense. Compare deductibles, not just prices.
5. Not declaring active leisure
A standard policy doesn't cover skiing, diving, renting a moped or even mountain trekking. If you plan anything more active than beaches and museums, pick the right trip purpose — otherwise an injury won't be a covered event.
6. Hiding chronic conditions
A flare-up of a chronic illness is a separate coverage category. Most policies only cover emergency care for acute flare-ups. If you have chronic diagnoses, read this section of the terms carefully.
7. Insuring fewer days than the trip
Saving pennies by insuring 10 of 14 days is a bad idea: a claim in the last days leaves you unprotected, and for a Schengen visa such a policy simply won't be accepted.
8. Not saving the assistance contacts
In an emergency, call the assistance line FIRST rather than going to a doctor on your own. Save the number from your policy before the flight — you won't have time to search for it under stress.
9. Throwing away receipts and documents
If you paid for something yourself with the assistance company's approval, you'll need every receipt, prescription and medical report for reimbursement. Photograph each document immediately.
10. Not reading what the policy actually covers
"I have insurance" is not the same as "I know what I'm insured against". Five minutes reviewing the coverage table will save you money and nerves. At Ensuria all limits are visible before payment — at the plan selection step.