Travel Insurance — What to Look For

Travel Insurance — What to Look For

Traveling without insurance is gambling. An emergency room visit in the US costs $3,000–$5,000. Knee surgery in Switzerland — 30,000 CHF. Medical evacuation to Poland — up to 100,000 PLN. A travel policy costing a few dozen PLN can prevent financial catastrophe.

The EHIC Card (EKUZ) — Is It Enough?

The European Health Insurance Card (EKUZ in Poland) gives you access to public healthcare in EU/EFTA countries on the same terms as local residents. That means:

• Pros: Free doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications (with the same co-pays as locals)
• Cons: Doesn't cover medical transport to Poland, doesn't work at private clinics, doesn't apply outside Europe, same queues as local public healthcare

EKUZ is the minimum, not the maximum. Always buy additional travel insurance.

What Should Good Travel Insurance Cover?

1. Medical Treatment Costs (KL)

The absolute foundation. Minimum coverage:

• Europe: 30,000–50,000 EUR
• USA/Canada/Japan: minimum 100,000 USD (healthcare costs are astronomical)
• Rest of world: 50,000–100,000 EUR

2. Medical Transport and Repatriation

Covers:

• Transport to hospital
• Medical evacuation flight to Poland
• Repatriation of remains

3. Accident Insurance (NNW)

Lump sum for permanent disability or death from an accident. Typical amounts: 10,000–50,000 PLN.

4. Third-Party Liability

Damage something in your hotel? Accidentally injure someone on the ski slope? Liability coverage handles third-party claims.

5. Luggage and Equipment

Coverage for theft, destruction, or delayed baggage. Limits typically 2,000–5,000 PLN.

6. Trip Cancellation

If you must cancel due to illness, accident, or death of a family member, the insurer reimburses non-refundable costs for tickets and accommodation.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Prices are surprisingly low compared to potential costs:

One-week trip to Europe (single person):

• Basic package: 25–50 PLN
• Extended (with sports, luggage): 50–100 PLN
• Premium (with trip cancellation): 80–200 PLN

Two-week trip to USA:

• Basic: 80–150 PLN
• Extended: 150–300 PLN

Annual multi-trip policy:

• Europe: 200–500 PLN/year
• Worldwide: 400–1,000 PLN/year

For those traveling 3+ times per year, an annual policy is significantly more cost-effective.

Key Things to Watch

Sports and Activities

Standard policies typically exclude:

• Skiing and snowboarding
• Scuba diving
• Rock climbing
• Motor sports
• Quad or scooter riding

If you plan active holidays, always add the sports extension. Cost: typically 20-50% extra.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Most policies exclude exacerbation of chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease). If you have such conditions, look for policies with a chronic illness extension or at least coverage for life-threatening emergencies.

Alcohol

Many policies exclude events where the insured was under the influence of alcohol. Check the terms — some have a blood alcohol threshold, others exclude entirely.

Age

People over 65-70 pay significantly more, and coverage may be limited. Compare offers specifically designed for seniors.

Working Abroad

Standard tourist policies don't cover work activities. If you're going on a workation or business trip, you need a different product.

How to Buy Travel Insurance

Online

Fastest and cheapest. Comparison sites (Mubi, Ubea, Beesafe) let you compare dozens of offers in minutes. Policy delivered to your email instantly.

Through a Travel Agency

Agencies offer insurance when you buy a package tour. Convenient, but often more expensive with narrower coverage than buying independently.

At the Airport

Last resort. Expensive with no comparison opportunity. Avoid.

Filing Claims

If you need help abroad:

1. Call the insurer's emergency number — always save it in your phone
2. Collect documents — receipts, prescriptions, police reports, delay confirmations
3. Don't pay large amounts without consulting — the insurer may direct you to a partner facility
4. Report promptly — most policies require notification within 7 days of the event

Travel and Your Budget

Travel is one of the more enjoyable expenses, but plan wisely. Travel insurance should be a fixed item in your trip budget — just like flights and accommodation.

With Freenance, you can track travel expenses as a separate category and see how they impact your Financial Freedom Runway over time.

Summary

• Always buy travel insurance — EHIC is not enough
• Medical coverage minimum 50,000 EUR (Europe) or 100,000 USD (USA)
• Sports = extension required — standard policies won't cover you
• Annual policy — cost-effective at 3+ trips per year
• Read exclusions — alcohol, chronic conditions, work

A few dozen PLN for a policy vs. potentially hundreds of thousands in medical bills — it's one of the best investments you can make before any trip.