Top Questions to Ask When Buying Travel Insurance in 2025

A Must-Read Guide Before Your Next Flight

Imagine landing in a foreign country, only to have your luggage vanish, a flight canceled, or worse—getting hospitalized with a sky-high medical bill. You assumed your travel insurance had you covered… but the fine print disagrees.

You’re not alone. Millions of travelers every year purchase travel insurance without fully understanding what they’re buying. In fact, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (USTIA), 48% of travel insurance claims are denied due to misunderstandings about coverage limits or exclusions.

So, how do you make sure you’re asking the right questions before buying travel insurance—especially in a fast-changing post-pandemic, climate-risk-prone, AI-powered world of 2025?

That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this expertly written guide. You’ll discover:

• The essential questions to ask before purchasing a travel insurance policy
• The most recent industry trends and statistics from 2024 and 2025
• Real-life case studies and expert commentary
• Key terms explained in simple language

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, this article will equip you with timeless knowledge for making informed choices.

Why Ask Questions Before Buying Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. With increasing geopolitical tensions, volatile weather patterns, and global health risks, the travel landscape has become unpredictably complex.

However, not all policies are created equal. Some may cover lost baggage but exclude pre-existing conditions. Others may offer medical evacuation but only under certain vague criteria.

That’s why asking the right questions is your first line of defense against claim denial and financial loss.

“Travel insurance should not be treated like a checkbox. It’s a contract. Know what you’re agreeing to,” says Emma Nyström, a certified insurance advisor with Allianz Partners in Sweden, who’s worked in travel risk underwriting for over 15 years.

Question 1: What Exactly Does This Policy Cover?

This is your starting point. Travel insurance policies typically offer coverage in several major areas:

Coverage Type	What It Usually Includes
Trip Cancellation/Interruption	Non-refundable trip costs due to illness, weather, etc.
Medical Expenses	Emergency medical treatment abroad
Emergency Evacuation	Transport to nearest appropriate medical facility
Baggage Loss/Delay	Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed belongings
Travel Delays	Meals, accommodation for missed connections
Personal Liability	Legal costs if you injure someone or damage property
COVID-19 Related Coverage	Quarantine, testing, and treatment (varies by policy)

Ask for a breakdown of these categories. Some policies exclude entire sections or limit reimbursement with low caps.

Question 2: Are There Any Country or Region-Specific Exclusions?

In 2025, geopolitics and climate volatility are significantly influencing insurer risk models.

For example:

• Ukraine, Syria, and parts of Sudan are often excluded due to ongoing conflicts.
• High-risk weather zones, like Southeast Asia during monsoon seasons, may have storm exclusion clauses.

See our updated list of High-Risk Countries Not Covered by Most Travel Insurers

Tip: Use your country’s travel advisory board (like the UK Foreign Travel Advice or US State Department) to cross-check coverage eligibility.

Question 3: What Is the Medical Expense Limit and Deductible?

This is one of the most financially critical elements of your policy.

Let’s break it down:

• Medical Coverage Limit: The maximum the insurer will pay for your treatment.
• Deductible: What you must pay out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in.

Real-Life Example:

In 2024, a U.S. traveler in Singapore suffered a fractured spine from a fall. The hospital bill totaled $92,000. His policy had:

• Medical limit: $100,000
• Deductible: $500

Outcome: The insurer paid $91,500. Without insurance, he would’ve faced catastrophic debt.

Recommended minimum coverage:

• $250,000 for medical expenses
• $1,000,000 for emergency evacuation

Question 4: Are Pre-Existing Conditions Covered?

Pre-existing conditions are medical issues you had before buying the policy—and they’re the #1 cause of claim denials.

Some insurers offer a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver, but only if:

• You buy the policy within 10–15 days of booking your trip
• You’re medically fit to travel at the time of purchase

Always ask:

• Do you cover pre-existing conditions?
• What documentation is required for claims?

Explore our in-depth guide to Pre-Existing Condition Waivers

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Question 5: Is COVID-19 or Future Pandemics Included?

As of 2025, most comprehensive policies do offer COVID-19 coverage, but each provider defines it differently.

Key Variations in Pandemic Coverage:

• Trip Cancellation if you test positive
• Medical coverage if you fall ill during the trip
• Quarantine lodging compensation
• No coverage if your destination imposes a sudden lockdown

Ask about future pandemic clauses too, as insurers evolve to include generic infectious disease language.

World Health Organization – 2024 Pandemic Preparedness Guidelines

Question 6: How Do I File a Claim, and How Long Does It Take?

A policy is only as good as its claims process.

Ask these:

• How do I submit a claim—online, app, or email?
• How long does it take to process?
• What documents are required?
• Is there 24/7 customer support in English?

“We’ve seen a surge in app-based claims in 2025. Our average processing time dropped from 15 days to 48 hours,” notes Ravi Menon, Chief Claims Officer at Trawick International.

Question 7: Does the Policy Cover Adventure Sports or High-Risk Activities?

Standard travel insurance often excludes “dangerous activities”, which may include:

• Scuba diving beyond 30 meters
• Trekking above 4,000 meters
• Bungee jumping, skydiving
• Motorcycling without a license

If your trip includes any adrenaline activity, ask for a sports rider or adventure add-on.

Question 8: What Happens If My Trip Is Canceled Due to Airline Bankruptcy or Weather?

Trip cancellation protection isn’t always as “full” as you think.

Ask:

• Are airline strikes or bankruptcies covered?
• Is there reimbursement for natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires?

Data Insight:

According to AirlineRatings.com, 23 airlines globally filed for bankruptcy in 2024, and 2025 is projected to see similar numbers due to fuel price instability and labor strikes.

Always check for “default protection” or “weather disruption” clauses in your policy.

Question 9: Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for My Destination?

In 2025, over 40 countries have made proof of travel insurance mandatory, especially after the pandemic. These include:

Country	Insurance Requirement
Thailand	Minimum $10,000 medical coverage
Schengen Countries	Minimum €30,000 coverage including repatriation
United Arab Emirates	COVID-19 and emergency medical coverage

Check your destination’s visa or entry requirements. Some even demand insurance with specific providers.

Question 10: Can I Extend or Cancel the Policy After Purchase?

Life happens. You might need to adjust your plans.

Before buying, ask:

• Can I extend the policy if I stay longer abroad?
• Can I cancel and get a refund if my trip falls through?
• Are there fees or administrative charges?

Some insurers now offer flexible cancellation policies with full refunds if canceled within 14 days—known as free-look periods.

Final Thoughts: Be the CEO of Your Travel Risk

Buying travel insurance in 2025 is not just about ticking a box. It’s about owning your risk, especially in an era of global unpredictability.

Whether it’s extreme weather, rising healthcare costs, or a last-minute cancellation, well-asked questions are your best protection.

So next time you sit down to book that policy, refer to this article. Share it with your fellow travelers. Bookmark it on your phone.

Because in the end, smart travelers don’t just pack a bag—they pack a plan.

Glossary of Travel Insurance Terms

Term	Definition
Deductible	The amount you pay before the insurer covers the rest of the claim.
Trip Cancellation	Coverage for prepaid travel expenses if your trip is canceled due to covered reasons.
Emergency Evacuation	Transportation to the nearest qualified medical facility in an emergency.
Repatriation	The return of your remains or body in case of death abroad.
Exclusions	Situations or conditions not covered under your policy.
Waiver	A clause that nullifies an exclusion under certain conditions.
Adventure Rider	Add-on coverage for high-risk sports and activities.
Free-Look Period	Time after purchase in which you can cancel your policy and receive a full refund.

Need personalized advice?
Visit our Travel Insurance Expert Advice Hub for custom recommendations, up-to-date comparisons, and deep-dive FAQs.

Suggested Internal Reads:

• How to File a Travel Insurance Claim Successfully
• Understanding Travel Medical Insurance: Do You Need It?

External References:

• USTIA 2024 Travel Insurance Industry Report
• WHO Travel Health Recommendations