Medical travel insurance: what to ask in writing

Start with the planned treatment

Standard travel insurance is not the same as cover for planned medical treatment abroad. NHS guidance says most travel policies will not cover planned treatment overseas. Tell the insurer the procedure, dates, destination and any relevant health information, then ask for written terms before paying.

Check the details and exclusions

• Does the policy specifically cover this planned procedure and its complications?
• Are emergency care, additional surgery and hospital admission included?
• Are an extended hotel stay, a companion, changed flights or medical evacuation covered?
• Is follow-up care covered after I return home? What are the limits, excesses and exclusions?
• Who authorises treatment and how do I contact the assistance service?

Compare total costs

Ask the provider for an itemised quote covering the facility, clinician, anaesthesia, tests, medicines, reviews and any possible additional charges. Separately consider flights, accommodation, transport, time off work and a contingency for an unexpectedly long stay.

Keep the paperwork

Save policy wording, insurer confirmations, receipts and provider terms somewhere you can access while travelling. Only the insurer and the actual policy can confirm cover; Panorama does not sell insurance or represent that any provider has agreed to cover a particular procedure.