Choosing the best travel insurance is, I confess, not a pleasant task. You have to read all the details, realise what the exclusions are and what kind of cover you need. There are many companies in the sector, but from my experience as a traveller in 60 countries, I recommend two: IATI and Heymondo.
The type of destination, the type of traveller and their age all influence the choice of the best international travel insurance. The key is to find cheap travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
Travel insurance can be one of the best or worst investments you make and you need to be careful when choosing this type of protection. That's why I've decided to write this article to help you when buying your policy.
Although these two insurances are the cheapest on the market, they can be even cheaper. If take out insurance via our links at IATI or Heymondo you'll get a 5% discount in the price of your travel insurance.
DISCOUNT FOR READERS
If you take out travel insurance with Heymondo you will receive 5% discount. Just use this link (the same one you'll find throughout this article).
If you take out travel insurance with IATI you will receive 15% discount. Just use this link.
CAMPANHA ESPECIAL: Se adquirir o seguro de viagem da IATI até 19 de Julho beneficia de 15% de desconto. The journey can take place on any date after the purchase of the travel insurance. Use this link.
But which of these two is the best travel insurance for you? If you read the article to the end, you'll get the answer to several questions:
- How much does travel insurance cost?
- What is the best travel insurance for families, groups or solo travellers?
- Concrete examples for travelling in Europe and the rest of the world
- Is it only valid for citizens living in a particular country?
- How to get discounts?
Do I really need travel insurance?
I've often seen the following questions on forums or Facebook pages: "I'm going to [enter the destination]. Do I need travel insurance?" or "I'm only travelling for a weekend. Do I have to spend money on travel insurance?".
My intention is not to convince you to buy insurance A, B or C, but rather to explain how to choose travel insurance and, vitally, to help you realise the importance of buying one. I'm transparent about what I recommend, by experience and service, but in the end the choice is yours.
There are several insurance companies, national and international, independent or through banks. It's important to use an insurer you can trust in an emergency. But whichever company you choose, never travel without insurance.
When choosing travel insurance, price shouldn't be your first concern. The most important thing - as with any other insurance - is to read all the inclusions and exclusions carefully.
Choosing the best travel insurance - essential info
- Have good medical expenses cover - the minimum acceptable is €100,000
- Comprehensive insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation costs, luggage, documentation, trip cancellation and, possibly, adventure sports (normal only with more expensive policies).
- Provide 24-hour/365-day assistance
- No need to make advances from your own pocket
- No age limits or high limits (over 70)
- Being able to return early due to illness or the death of a family member
- Have comprehensive theft cover - theft without intimidation or violence is not included, even if you leave your possessions in a safe or in the car
- Preferably no excess or a minimum amount (up to €100)
- Be able to cancel the policy within the first 14 days and receive a refund
- Being able to buy policies at reduced prices
Are these travel insurances only for citizens of some countries?
No. Both insurers allow travel insurance for many nationalities. All you have to do when you sign up is indicate your country of residence (so the insurer knows where to send you if necessary).
Multi-trip insurance
This is the kind of advantage I'm happy with, because if you make several trips throughout the year, as I do, you need to be covered for all journeys - short or long. That's why I can take out the IATI Annual Multi-Trip. Both IATI and Heymondo offer good solutions, but Heymondo is cheaper. What's more, Heymondo now also includes the new flight claims service in the Premium mode of the Annual Multi-Trip Insurance for quick and easy claims in the event of flight delays or cancellations.
Covid-19 coverage
Any current insurance company already includes cover for Covid-19. If, unfortunately, you contract the disease at your destination, you will have access to the benefits of all the assistance cover included in the policy: medical expenses, hospitalisation, medical transport or extended stay.
If you have a trip booked and you are infected with Coronavirus or someone in your family dies, or you are hospitalised for at least one night, you are covered. To have valid cover for this situation, the policy must include a cancellation option.
Emergency medical expenses abroad
With both companies you won't have to worry about the cost of medical expenses. However, if you're travelling to the USA, where medical expenses can be absurd, Heymondo has much more extensive cover - up to six million euros. This is a huge advantage over IATI, as the amounts covered are much smaller - a maximum of 500,000 euros.
I already have health insurance. Do I need travel insurance?
Health insurance and travel insurance are two different things. Health insurance is limited to the cost of medical expenses. However, travel insurance includes expenses such as repatriation, delayed or lost luggage, theft of mobile phones, money, wallets or other goods, early return due to illness or the death of a family member, reimbursement for holidays not taken, trip cancellation, among many other situations. Whatever the circumstances, never travel without travel insurance.
Plans
Both insurers have various plans to suit the destination and the traveller. Policies can be modified/cancelled before the start of the trip, which is another fact to bear in mind.
Franchises
Both IATI like Heymondo do not charge an excess, which means you don't have to pay any money if the assistance is activated. But Heymondo goes even further: there is an optional 100€ excess which, if activated, reduces the cost of the policy by 15%. The excess only applies to medical expenses, baggage and trip cancellation. The only Heymondo product that already includes an excess is the Long-Term Travel insurance.
Chronic and pre-existing illnesses
IATI and Heymondo insurance offer cover in the event of a vital emergency, as a result of an unforeseeable complication of a chronic, congenital or pre-existing illness, as well as an unforeseeable complication of pregnancy during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. But none of them cover pre-existing illnesses and, indeed, very few insurers do.
How much does the best travel insurance cost?
Let's go from words to figures to understand how much the best travel insurance costs. Here's an example of the price (for one person) of two best travel insurances for journeys lasting 7, 14, 30, 90, 180 or 365 days and also the cost of several journeys in a year (called multi-trip).
| Journey time | IATI | Heymondo |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | 32€ | 30€ |
| 14 days | 49€ | 40€ |
| 30 days | 79€ | 64€ |
| 3 months | 378€ | 305€ |
| 6 months | 750€ | 450€ |
| 1 year (Multi-trip) max. 90 days/trip |
751€ | 299€ |
| 1 year (unlimited journeys) |
751€ | 509€ |
Best travel insurance - IATI vs Heymondo
As I mentioned earlier, in addition to price, you need good cover for incidents and accidents. Although price is important when choosing the best travel insurance, it can't and shouldn't be the only factor, as there are other essential aspects such as the amount covered in each aspect of the policy.
The following table compares the main coverages of travel insurance from both companies, based on the simplest products: the so-called Basicin the case of IATI, and the Essential in the case of Heymondo. The prices are considerably higher for other, more comprehensive policies. You can see which packages I recommend at the end of the article.
| Covers | IATI | Heymondo |
|---|---|---|
| Medical assistance | 150.000€ | 100.000€ |
| Repatriation | 100% | 100% |
| Luggage (lost or stolen) | 500€ | 600€ |
| Luggage delays | 90€ | 100€ |
| Adventure sports | Only with superior policies | Only with superior policies |
| Electronic equipment | 250€ | 300€ |
| Legal cover | 3000€ | 3000€ |
| Civil liability | 30.000€ | 30.000€ |
| Flight complaints | 5.95€ per person | Free of charge |
Advantages of IATI travel insurance
IATI is an insurance company that has been around a lot longer than Heymondo, but offers some of the best travel insurance. As well as very competitive prices, they're also very flexible in terms of choosing the type of cover.
Age limit
A IATI assegura qualquer com os seguros IATI Estrela, IATI Standard, IATI Família a quem tenha menos de 79 anos. A única excepção é no IATI Mochileiro, onde o limite é de 70 anos. Na Heymondo, the age limit is 74 for all policies.
Country coverage
IATI guarantees cover in all countries, but Heymondo excludes Afghanistan, Belarus, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Israel, North Korea, Nigeria, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Ukraine.
Experience in the sector
IATI's travel insurance has many years of insuring travellers from all over the world to its credit, but Heymondo counters with excellent reviews on specialist websites and is on a higher level.
Advantages of Heymondo travel insurance
Plans
Both insurers have various plans to suit the type of destination and traveller. Both policies can be modified/cancelled before the start of the trip, which is another fact to bear in mind.
Price and flexibility
The best travel insurance should not only look at price, but also at Heymondo offers almost unbeatable prices in relation to the competition, including IATI - as you've already seen in the table above and there's another example below.
Service and assistance
Both guarantee all assistance, including in the event of a medical emergency. But at Heymondo you can contact the insurer via a 24-hour app (available for Android and iPhone), which can simplify the process. The 24-hour medical chat is very useful, as is the 24-hour medical video consultation service.
Both IATI and Heymondo guarantee that you won't have to advance any money in the event of a medical emergency, as the insurer will make all payments directly to the service providers.
Electronic equipment
You will be covered for electronic equipment (laptop, tablet, camera and accessories) up to 50% of luggage cover in the event of theft, assault, fire and in the event of partial or total loss caused by the carrier. However, you can increase this limit up to 100% for Top and Premium Travel insurance.
The amounts covered range from €300 for Essential Travel Insurance to €1,750 for Premium Travel Insurance. In fact, I recommend that you increase the limit to 100%, as the difference in the price of the policies is marginal.
AirHelp Service
All Heymondo insurance schemes (except Essential Travel) include flight claims management with AirHelp. Helps passengers obtain compensation from airlines when flights are cancelled, delayed or overbooked (overbooking).
Solidarity
Heymondo collaborates with Médecins Sans Frontières in the management of humanitarian emergencies.
Which insurances do I recommend at IATI and Heymondo?
At IATI I would recommend the following insurances IATI Standard or IATI Starbecause they have more extensive cover. I would rule out Basic, even for trips to Europe, and opt instead for Standard because of the cancellation option.
At Heymondo, would choose Travel Tranquillity or Top Trip because the coverage is much wider, the cost is almost the same and the most basic plan doesn't include cancellation either.
Practical example of international travel insurance
Now for an even more concrete example. Imagine that want to go travelling with me to Iceland (9 days) or Guatemala and Belize (16 days).
| Destination | IATI Standard |
IATI Star |
Heymondo Tranquillity |
Heymondo Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland 9 days | 30.16€ | 51.84€ | 24.60€ | 27.77€ |
| Mexico 16 days | 75.97€ | 120.15€ | 56.70€ | 86.74€ |
IATI vs Heymondo final score
Taking into account everything I've said above, I think that in any case you'll be well assured, but in in almost all scenarios, Heymondo appears to be the more economical option than IATI. At the time of writing, Heymondo has the best prices for its policies, although IATI has recently increased its superior cover, making it more competitive. Heymondo allows you to contact them via a App, It also deserves the title of best travel insurance.
Bearing in mind what I said above, Heymondo is the favouritewhere IATI, is the second best option on the market for travel insurance for Brazilians, Portuguese, Angolans or any other nationality. However, I recommend that you use the links available here (as there is a discount with any of the insurers). Do a simulation on both, see which is more favourable for your trip and what kind of cover you need.
Descontos em seguro de viagem (individuais, famílias e grupos)
Our readers have access to discounts when purchasing IATI and Heymondo travel insurance. By using the links below you benefit from 5% per cent discount on policies.
Heymondo also offers special discounts for groups and families. You can benefit from a discount of 15% for family trips (minimum of three travellers - at least one minor). Heymondo also has a discount for groups: 5% from five people and 15% from ten people.
And now when you take out Annual Multi-Trip Insurance for at least 2 adults and 1 child under 22, a discount of 15% will automatically be applied. These discounts can be combined with the Uncertain Seats discountso you should take advantage of it!
12 reasons never to travel without travel insurance
The average cost of medical treatment abroad is €1,450. But there are more reasons for never travelling without travel insurance than just health reasons. When someone mentions "spending money on travel insurance", it's because they may never have the misfortune of needing cover for a travel accident, pickpocketing, lost luggage or flight delays and cancellations.
Or perhaps the question is asked by those who travel less often and believe (wrongly) that investing in travel insurance is a waste of money. As you've read, I intentionally used the word "invest" and not "spend". The fact is that by choosing travel insurance you are making an investment in safety, health and a relaxing holiday.
If you're spending €500, €600, €1,000 on holiday, are you going to risk paying a fortune not to invest €60 or €70 in travel insurance? I recommend IATI Insurance and Heymondo (if you use any of these links you get 5% off).
CAMPANHA ESPECIAL: Se adquirir o seguro de viagem da IATI até 19 de Julho beneficia de 15% de desconto. The journey can take place on any date after the purchase of the travel insurance. Use this link.
Let's take a look at 12 reasons why you should never travel without travel insurance.
1Travel insurance is like a honeymoon
Travel insurance should be seen as the preparation for your honeymoon. Don't leave it until last. As soon as you have dates or a flight booked, buy travel insurance.
2Health insurance is not the same as travel insurance
Travel insurance is NOT just health insurance? It's much more than that. While there is a vital medical component for sudden illnesses and accidents, it can also protect you in the event of trip cancellation or interruption, emergency transport, loss or theft.
Travel insurance is not a substitute for health insurance and should not be treated as such. Travel insurance is there to cover emergency situations. If you break your leg or get food poisoning, you're covered. If you want to go for teeth whitening or plastic surgery, travel insurance won't cover you.
3EHIC card is not enough
Even when travelling in Europe, it's essential to have travel insurance. Although you can use the EHIC card in all European Union countries and Switzerland, you should remember that the card only allows assistance in public services - which may be sufficient in some countries, but the quality of care is not uniform between the richer (Nordic) countries and other EU nations.
And the EHIC only covers part of the bills, not including repatriation costs, for example. Travel insurance gives you access to private doctors. The EHIC card covers some medical expenses, but what if your credit cards are stolen, your wallet is stolen, your suitcase is lost or your flight is cancelled?
4Theft or robbery
If you lose your credit cards or documents (or they are stolen) they won't be easy to replace, especially if you still need them to continue travelling. Travel insurance will help you get in touch with your embassy or the financial institutions involved and can also cover the associated expenses.
5Medical expenses and emergency evacuation
Medical expenses are one of the main reasons for never travelling without travel insurance. One in three travel claims are for medical treatment. In many countries, medical treatment for visitors can be incredibly expensive.
Daily hospitalisation costs in Southeast Asia regularly exceed €700, while the cost of medical evacuation in the United States regularly varies between €65,000 and €85,000, but can rise - in extreme cases - to €200,000.
The cost of transport and medical evacuation could easily reach 500,000 euros, especially if something more serious happens in the US.
6Lost or delayed luggage
Unfortunately, losing luggage and individual items (or having them stolen) is not uncommon while abroad. What is the cost of replacing all these possessions? Even if you're travelling lightly, the expense can be high. You may have to pay to buy new clothes or other accessories. Travel insurance can reimburse you for these expenses.
7Flight delays and cancellations
There are many factors beyond your control when travelling. Flights may be delayed and you may miss your connection, or you may need to return home in the event of an emergency. Without travel insurance, any interruption to your holiday could cost you a fortune. In many cases, you'll lose the money you've already paid and you'll also need to pay for new bookings.
8Cancellation or interruption of leave
If you have to interrupt your holiday, a good insurance policy will reimburse the costs of the part of the trip you didn't use. You may lose the rest of your holiday, but at least you'll get back some of the money you've already spent.
9Personal liability and legal costs
Imagine that you had rented a car and, unfortunately, hit someone in Canada and the person was seriously injured. Besides having to pay hospital expenses, you could also be sued by the victim. The personal liability clause and high coverage of legal expenses are reasons to never travel without travel insurance.
10Death of a family member
If you're unfortunate enough to have a close relative pass away before your departure date, you can often get back the money you've already spent on the trip or just postpone your holiday. It's not something you want to think about, but it's part of life.
11Loss of employment
If you lose your job before travelling or there is an emergency at your job, you can try to reschedule your trip. Travel insurance can help you if you have a job-related cancellation.
12Terrorism or climate disasters
One week before your arrival in the Philippines, a terrorist incident occurs in the country. Or a hurricane in Miami, a heavy snowfall in New Zealand, a volcanic eruption in Bali forces airport closures for several days preventing you from reaching your destination. If you don’t have travel insurance, you could lose the cost of the plane ticket, connecting trips, and even what you paid for hotels.
Don't forget to renew your insurance
Not all insurers send an email or letter when the policy is about to expire - or has already expired. That's why I suggest you put an alert in your calendar or mobile phone before the expiry date, so you don't have to do what I did. That is, you're travelling abroad and realise that your travel insurance has already expired. That's right, it happened to me in Myanmar.
Remember the metaphor I used above: not having travel insurance is like travelling naked. Unless you'd like to take your clothes off anywhere in the world, it's best to choose travel insurance. If you need any help, please leave a comment or question.
What travel insurance do I recommend?
I recommend two insurances: IATI Seguros and Heymondo (if you use this link you get 5% discount). I can quickly simulate, purchase or renew the insurance policy online, it has an excellent level of cover and a fair price. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't opt for travel insurance sold by a bank, for example.
CAMPANHA ESPECIAL: Se adquirir o seguro de viagem da IATI até 19 de Julho beneficia de 15% de desconto. The journey can take place on any date after the purchase of the travel insurance. Use this link.
Peace of mind is a healthy way to live and it's also one of the reasons why you should never travel without travel insurance. You'll be able to relax on your holiday, as you deserve to, knowing that you'll be protected in the event of an unforeseen event. No matter what the circumstances, you need to be prepared for the inevitable. I never travel without travel insurance, unless... I forget to renew it. And that's happened!
DISCOUNT FOR READERS
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I organise and lead group trips to destinations I know well. And I only travel with small groups (maximum 12 people).
I've been to 60 countries, so if you have a trip in mind with a group of friends, family or work colleagues, contact me and I'll be happy to plan, organise and lead the trip you want. The itinerary can be customised, as can the budget and activities.
See the travel calendar and sign up or tell me where you want to travel as a group and I'll take care of everything.
Good morning,
I've seen a lot of people reporting that they use IATI, but has anyone ever had to take out insurance? It's been embarrassing for me. The reason for the cancellation is serious, it's well described, it involved one of the people having CI, and I've been asked for more information, even after sending all the requested documents. And I've been in this mode for over 3 months - if initially they said it was because they had several cases, now it's incomprehensible. My question: is this bad experience just me?
IATI Seguros would like to inform you that it regrets what happened and is available to investigate the status of your case. To do so, please contact us by e-mail quoting your policy number. In accordance with the Data Protection Act, all contact will be made by e-mail.
Hello, Patrícia!
As we discussed over the phone, we're sorry for the misunderstanding. The reimbursement department has indicated that it will cover the cost. If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail, as due to data protection issues we are unable to provide information by other means. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Best regards,
Thanks for the article Jorge. I didn't know about Heymondobut the prices are very good.