Mistake 1: choosing minimum coverage

Most often, tourists focus on the price of the policy and choose the minimum coverage. Some think there is no point in overpaying while everything is going according to plan. But if you find out how much medical services cost abroad, it becomes clear that they made a mistake.

For example, a regular doctor's visit in Europe can cost from 50 euros, and hospitalization can cost thousands. If diagnostics, surgery, or inpatient treatment are added, the bill increases significantly. At this point, it becomes clear why the insurance coverage limit for travel to Europe is at least 30,000 euros.

The consequences of such savings become noticeable immediately: the client loses the opportunity to visit modern medical centers or is refused coverage for certain services. Travel insurance for traveling abroad must take into account general rules and ensure sufficient coverage.

Mistake 2: lack of activity coverage

The second critical mistake is not taking into account the activities planned during the trip. Many tourists think that standard insurance covers any vacation, but this is not the case. For an insurance company, certain types of activities (for example, mountain hiking, skiing, or diving) are classified as high-risk.

Why is this important? First of all, because in the event of an injury during such an activity, the insurer may refuse to pay if this risk was not included in the contract.

Therefore, you need to think in advance about what you plan to do on the trip and indicate it when purchasing insurance. For example, at the UNIQA insurance company, you can choose extended insurance programs that include amateur or professional, as well as extreme sports. This allows you to be sure that in the event of an incident, your injuries will be covered.

Mistake 3: lack of coverage for the entire trip period

Another common mistake is incorrectly defined policy validity periods. Often, tourists purchase insurance exactly for the dates of their stay abroad. They do not take into account travel time, transfers, or possible flight delays. As a result, a blind spot arises when a person is effectively on the road, but the insurance has not yet started or has already expired.

To avoid this, it is worth adding extra days before and after the trip. That is, you need to draw up a contract with a small buffer in the dates. Yes, the contract will cost a little more, but these are minimal expenses that ensure continuous protection and allow you not to worry about logistical nuances.

Mistake 4: incorrect actions during an insurance event

Any travel contract may not work if the insured person does not act according to the rules. The most typical mistake is visiting a doctor independently without consulting the insurer. Although the desire to get help quickly is natural, it is worth remembering: the assistance service knows best where to go to avoid problems with reimbursement.

The insurance company must also record the insurance event. If the insured person does not communicate with the assistance service, issues with payments may arise.

The correct algorithm is simple. First of all, you need to contact the assistance service at the number indicated in the policy. If you signed a contract with UNIQA, you have the opportunity to use the myUNIQA mobile app and submit an application online. You will need to describe the situation and follow the instructions. Thus, one call or message can save money in a critical situation.

How to avoid these mistakes: a checklist for the tourist

For insurance to actually work, it is enough to compare the terms of the contract with your travel plans. To do this, clarify a few points for yourself at the stage of purchasing:

  • pay attention to the correspondence of the coverage to your vacation format. Check if activities are included and if the treatment limits are sufficient;
  • check how support is organized. Save the assistance service phone numbers or download the app;
  • ensure that the insurance validity dates cover the entire route with a buffer.

Remember that good insurance is one that clearly works at the right moment.