Before you go abroad, whether for a few days or several months, choosing the right travel insurance is essential. Did you know that a simple case of appendicitis in the U.S. can cost upwards of $30,000? Between unexpected medical expenses, lost luggage or emergency repatriation, a simple mistake can be very costly.
That’s whycomparative travel insurance is an indispensable tool. Thanks to a targeted comparison, you can identify the coverage best suited to your profile, destination and budget. In this article, you’ll discover the essential criteria for comparing offers, so you can finally leave with peace of mind.
Why compare travel insurance?
When you travel abroad, the unexpected can turn your dream into a financial nightmare: illness, accident, repatriation, loss of luggage… With the right travel insurance, you can travel stress-free. Taking out travel insurance is the first step towards a worry-free trip.
A travel insurance comparison enables you to :
- See the guarantees offered and their ceilings (crucial!).
- Identify exclusions (high-risk sports, pre-existing medical conditions, dangerous countries).
- Compare rates by duration, destination, age, etc.
- Avoid unpleasant surprises (high deductibles, long reimbursement times, etc.).
Without a comparison, you run the risk of either overpaying for too much coverage, or being poorly covered the day you really need it.
8 essential criteria to check
Based on the best current comparisons, here are the criteria that Santexpat recommends you always check before taking out a policy:
| Criteria | Why it’s crucial |
| Medical expenses & repatriation | Depending on the country, medical expenses can be enormous. A good comparison highlights the ceilings (ideally ≥150000€, or even 1000000€ for the USA or high-cost destinations). This is the basis of all good international travel insurance. |
| Trip cancellation / interruption | If you have to cancel due to illness, emergency, etc., this can save you hundreds or even thousands of euros. Check what’s covered (reason, deadlines, supporting documents). |
| Luggage guarantee | Loss, theft or delay. Some insurances offer little, others a lot. Look at the ceiling, deductibles and treatment of valuables. |
| Civil liability abroad | If you cause damage to others, it can be very expensive. Often included in good insurance contracts. |
| Risky sports & activities | If you plan to go skiing, diving, trekking, paragliding, etc., you need to check whether these activities are covered or whether you need an extension. |
| Exclusions & deductibles | Certain reasons are never covered, and the deductible can significantly reduce the reimbursement. Compare the fine print. |
| Customer service & responsiveness | In the event of a claim abroad, insurance that responds quickly is invaluable. Check notices, reimbursement times and 24/7 assistance. It should includelegal assistance in the event of a serious problem. |
| Price vs. value for money | The cheapest is not always the best. You have to adjust the price to the warranties you actually use. |
Different types of insurance to suit your needs
Depending on your type of trip (e.g. expatriate, round-the-world, short stay, extreme sports), some contracts will suit you better than others.
1. Short-stay insurance (less than 3 months)
Covers the essentials: medical expenses, repatriation, baggage. This is the most common option.
2. Long Stay / PVT / Expatriation Insurance
These contracts are specifically designed for trips of over 90 days. They often offer more robust cover, and may include: mental health cover, routine non-emergency consultations and special conditions for visas (such as PVT). They guarantee excellent coverage of medical expenses over the long term.
3. The special case of the EHIC (Europe)
If you’re traveling in Europe (EEA + Switzerland), the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is essential and free of charge. However, it NEVER replaces private travel insurance! It only covers treatment under the conditions prevailing in the country you are visiting (no reimbursement for a sector 3 doctor if there is no agreement). It does not cover repatriation, civil liability or loss of luggage.
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Common mistakes to avoid
One of the most common mistakes you can make when choosing travel insurance is to take out cover too late. In the case of cancellation insurance, for example, there is often a maximum period of time after booking a trip, beyond which coverage no longer applies. Many travelers also neglect to read the policy exclusions: pre-existing illnesses, destinations not covered or high-risk sports can easily invalidate part of the coverage.
Another common trap is to be seduced by the lowest rate without checking the compensation ceilings, which may prove insufficient in the event of a major claim. And don’t forget the deductible, because even with a high level of cover, an excess that is too high considerably reduces the actual reimbursement. Finally, many people rely on the guarantees included in their bank card without checking the exact conditions – in particular, the maximum length of stay or the destinations covered – and discover too late that the protection was incomplete.
Price of travel insurance: key factors
The price depends on a number of criteria: age of the traveller (the older you are, the higher the cost), destination, length of stay, and options chosen (cancellation, protection of electronic devices, increased coverage…).
Some insurers also offer promo codes or reduced rates for certain online subscriptions. Comparing several quotes enables you to find the best value for money, without sacrificing essential cover, notably medical expenses.
Comparison examples: what the best insurers offer
The price depends on several criteria: age of the traveler (the older you are, the higher the cost), destination, length of stay, and options chosen. Comparing several quotes will help you find the best value for your money.
- Chapka Assurances often emerges as one of the leaders for long-term travel and risky activities or destinations, thanks to its high ceilings and good sports coverage.
- Allianz Travel is regularly singled out for its value for money, reliable assistance and comprehensive coverage.
- ACS Assurance Voyage / ACS Globe: a good choice for extended stays, with customizable options.
- Heymondo, Yupwego and other “new entrant” insurers often stand out for their fluid digital experience, apps and clear communication of benefits.
Tips for saving without sacrificing coverage
To make the right choice for your travel insurance, it’s important to compare several offers to assess the differences in coverage and rates. Coverage should always be tailored to your profile: the length of your stay, your destination, your age and the activities you plan to do directly influence the level of protection you need. Before taking out travel insurance, you should also check whether your bank card already includes certain cover, and under what conditions. It’s best to opt for modular formulas or add extensions only if they meet a real need. Finally, online comparisons are an excellent way of quickly obtaining several quotes and finding the best option for your budget and travel plans.
So how do you choose?
Comparing travel insurance isn’t just a formality: it’s essential if you want to travel with peace of mind. By comparing guarantees, exclusions, prices and services, you’ll find the coverage best suited to your trip.
To help you get started, use an online comparator today and don’t hesitate to request a quote for two or three of your favorite insurers mentioned in this article (Chapka, Heymondo, Allianz Travel).
Thanks to the comparisons and information available, you can now choose the best international travel insurance without wasting time or taking unnecessary risks.
