Travel Insurance vs Travel Medical Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

When traveling, getting the right kind of travel insurance is important. While going abroad is exciting, it can also come with unexpected surprises.

Whether your trip is just a few days, or you’re spending months abroad, one of the most important considerations is how to protect yourself and your finances while you’re away.

Understanding which insurance you need can be confusing, especially if it’s your first purchase. We’re here to help.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about travel insurance vs. travel medical insurance. What the difference is, what each covers, and which one might be the right option for you.

What is the difference between travel insurance and travel medical insurance?

Without additions to your policy, travel insurance typically covers you for emergency medical costs and for travel-related risks (such as lost luggage or papers, depending on the policy), while medical insurance covers you for emergency medical costs while abroad.

However, in practice, travel medical insurance can be supplemented with additional coverage. For example, coverage for lost papers and documents can be added – again, depending on the policy.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is protection designed to cover unexpected travel-related events that might disrupt your trip. It can provide coverage for many things depending on the policy – from lost luggage or papers to legal assistance abroad. Travel insurance aims to cover, depending on the policy, the emergency medical and non-medical aspects of your journey, ensuring that your investment in the trip is protected.

What does travel insurance cover?

It depends on which travel insurance policy you choose, but it can cover a wide range of potential travel mishaps, such as:

• Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal belongings
• Lost or stolen papers (such as your passport)
• Emergency medical costs
• Repatriation
• COVID-19
• Legal assistance abroad (including advance of bail)
• Sports: search and rescue costs
• 24/7 travel assistance
• Even more

What is medical insurance?

Medical insurance, on the other hand, focuses primarily on emergency medical costs while abroad. This type of insurance provides coverage for emergency medical care, including hospital stays and repatriation. Now, it isn’t to be confused with health insurance.

Most people are familiar with health insurance as part of their day-to-day life, which typically covers preventative care and other services like visits to the eye doctor or the dentist. Travel medical insurance does not cover preventive and routine care. Travel insurance doesn't either. Both travel insurance and travel medical insurance are designed specifically for emergencies, such as a broken arm or unforeseen extreme illness.

Like travel insurance, medical insurance can also have supplemental coverage added on, such as travel-related concerns (lost luggage, legal assistance, etc.).

What does medical insurance cover?

• Emergency medical costs abroad
• Hospital stays abroad if necessary (under the terms of the policy)
• Medical evacuation back to your home country
• Repatriation (including the transfer of mortal remains)
• Depending on the specific policy, additional travel coverage can be added

Is travel insurance the same as medical travel insurance?

Not in theory. A common point of confusion is the difference between travel insurance and medical travel insurance. Travel insurance focuses on travel risks globally, which means emergency medical costs AND non-medical aspects.

Medical travel insurance, on the other hand, focuses on emergency medical events while traveling abroad.

However, in practice, the two can cover the same things by customizing your insurance plan.

You might be asking about this because you read about the insurance requirement in your visa document checklist, or even the Visa Code. The Schengen Visa Code is a regulation set by the European Union about the approval and denial of Schengen visas.

The Schengen visa code states that Schengen visa applications will be denied if adequate travel medical insurance hasn’t been obtained.

Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?

Yes, but only for unforeseen emergencies. For example, travel insurance will provide coverage for emergency medical costs for unfortunate surprises like a broken leg or severe food poisoning.

Where it doesn’t supply protection is when it comes to routine medical care and procedures, expected treatments, or any health necessities related to pre-existing conditions.

When it comes to medical, travel insurance typically includes:

• Emergency medical treatment for unforeseen illnesses or injuries sustained during travel, whilst abroad
• Medical evacuations, where necessary, to transport you to an appropriate medical facility
• Repatriation (including the transport of mortal remains)
• Hospital stays (in line with the terms of your policy)

Always check the details of your specific policy, as coverage differs from plan to plan.

Travel insurance vs. medical insurance: which one do I need?

Choosing between travel insurance and medical insurance depends on the type of trip you’re planning and the level of coverage you need.

If you’re getting a visa to travel to the Schengen zone, you’ll need travel medical insurance at the bare minimum – in fact, it’s required.

The added peace of mind of additional coverage (such as for lost luggage), while recommended, won’t be a requirement at your visa appointment.

If you’re looking for a policy that offers a wider umbrella of coverage, such as lost luggage, etc., you can purchase a medical travel insurance plan and add on the coverage you’d like. Or, you could obtain a travel insurance plan that also meets Schengen emergency medical requirements (all travel insurance through Insurte is Schengen compliant).

Key differences between travel insurance and medical insurance

Travel insurance covers medical emergency costs in addition to common travel-related incidents (such as lost luggage), while travel medical insurance focuses on medical emergency costs and assistance. It’s possible to expand your coverage no matter which one you purchase.

Key takeaways to know about the difference between travel insurance and travel medical insurance

• Travel insurance offers coverage for a variety of common travel issues, such as lost luggage, legal assistance, and more. It also supplies coverage for emergency medical costs
• Medical insurance focuses primarily on emergency medical costs and assistance, such as hospital stays or medical evacuation, but can also cover travel risks depending on the policy.
• Travel medical insurance is mandatory when applying for Schengen visas.
• Travelers who want more coverage should compare travel insurance policies on Insurte.
• Not all policies are the same: it’s important to read the policy details carefully to fully understand what’s covered and what isn’t.