What is an IPID in Travel Insurance?

Updated December 16, 2025

When you buy anything, it's important to understand what you're getting. This is particularly true when it comes to travel insurance.

All of the legal jargon in the terms and conditions can feel difficult to sift through, especially if you haven't purchased travel insurance before.

That’s where the IPID, or Insurance Product Information Document, comes into play.

The IPID isn’t unique to travel insurance, however. Insurance Product Information Documents are available for any type of insurance you're in the market for (even Schengen visa travel insurance).

But what is it and why should you take a look at it?

What is an IPID in insurance?

The IPID is a standardized document that is designed to make insurance products easier to understand and compare.

The idea for IPID was introduced by the European Union under the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD). The great thing about the IPID is that it provides a clear overview of key policy details, which helps consumers make informed decisions.

It also ensures that there's a consistent level of transparency by insurance companies.

In short, the IPID simplifies complicated insurance jargon and presents policy details in an easy-to-understand format.

Whether you're buying a car, or house, or are traveling, the IPID is your go-to guide for understanding what the policy offers, what it excludes, and what steps to take in case you need to file a claim.

What does IPID Stand For?

IPID stands for Insurance Product Information Document.

This document is now mandatory across all EU member states, including the Schengen area, to help consumers quickly understand the essentials of any insurance product they are considering.

Since October 2018, all insurance distributors in the EU have had to provide an IPID to potential customers before finalizing any contract.

When must an IPID be provided?

The IPID must be provided before the insurance contract is finalized, giving consumers the chance to review and compare different insurance products before even paying a dime.

According to the EU Insurance Distribution Directive, this document should be given to the customer early in the decision-making process to help them make the most educated decision.

On top of the timing, the IPID must be presented in a clear, unambiguous, and easily accessible format, ensuring there’s no confusion about the scope or limitations of the insurance product being offered.

What can be found on an IPID?

The IPID gives a standardized summary of the key details of an insurance policy.

This includes:

• What is covered in the policy – You'll see a clear summary of the types of coverage provided, whether it's for travel medical insurance or something else.
• What isn’t covered in the policy – Any exclusions, limits, or restrictions on the policy. This is really just as important as what is included.
• How to submit a claim – Basic instructions on how to proceed if you need to submit a claim.
• Cancelation rights – A breakdown of how and when a consumer can cancel the policy.

These sections are clearly laid out so potential customers can easily compare one policy with another and have the info they need before making their final decision.

Why the IPID is important

The introduction of the IPID was part of a broader effort by the European Union to enhance consumer protection in the insurance market.

The IPID is supposed to increase transparency and reduce confusion about insurance products.

By presenting information in a standardized, easy-to-read format, the IPID helps consumers avoid misunderstandings about what their insurance covers – before they make a purchase.

In the past, insurance contracts were often difficult to interpret, filled with legalese and small print that made it challenging for the average consumer to make an informed decision.

The IPID sets out to solve this by providing clear, concise information that allows customers to compare different products and fully understand what they’re buying before payment is required.

What does the IPID have to include?

According to EU regulations, all insurance distributors must include specific details in the IPID to ensure it meets the standardized requirements.

This guidelines makes sure that no matter which insurance company you're looking at, you're getting the correct information in a clear way.

The IPID has to contain:

• Clear language – No jargon or confusing legal terms.
• A structured format – All IPIDs must follow a similar layout to allow easy comparisons between policies and companies.
• Pre-contractual availability – The document should be readily available before the policy is signed.
• Coverage and exclusions – A clear and balanced view of what is covered and what is not, avoiding ambiguity.
• Neutral presentation – No marketing or promotional material should be included in the IPID, making sure it remains an informative document rather than a sales tool.

This standardization helps consumers receive accurate, transparent, and clear information before committing to an insurance policy.

Why the IPID matters for consumers

For anyone who needs to purchase insurance, the IPID is a must-have tool to ensure you’re getting the coverage you expect.

Without the IPID, it can be easy to overlook important details buried deep within a contract, which could lead to an unpleasant surprise down the road. For example, without the IPID, a customer could find out that a particular claim isn’t covered as extensively as they thought, or that the policy includes hidden fees.

The IPID empowers consumers to make more informed choices by clearly outlining the major features, exclusions, and costs. In a competitive insurance market, this transparency helps level the playing field and provides greater protection for consumers!

IPID FAQs

What does IPID stand for in insurance?

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