2026 Travel Insurance Guide: How to choose, how much limit, claims process and lightning protection guide
How to choose between travel insurance, inconvenience insurance, and overseas medical care? This article includes comparison of 6 major insurance types, insurance coverage recommendations, claims process, special situations (pregnant women/extreme sports/long-term residence), and 5 key points of lightning protection
Table of Contents
1. Why you need travel insurance
-
Medical Expense Protection
Medical care overseas can be expensive, especially emergency rooms and hospitalizations. Travel insurance can cover these unexpected medical expenses
-
Trip cancellation compensation
If the trip is canceled due to force majeure (weather, illness, etc.), the insurance can compensate for the non-refundable fees paid
-
Lost luggage compensation
If your luggage is lost or delayed by the airline, the insurance will provide you with the purchase cost and compensation for necessary items.
-
emergency rescue services
In remote areas or emergencies, the insurance company provides 24-hour emergency rescue and medical evacuation
-
Personal liability protection
If you accidentally cause injury to others or property damage while traveling, your insurance can cover the liability.
Tip
- Travel insurance typically only costs 2-5% of total travel expenses, but it provides tremendous protection
- Even if you have travel insurance that comes with your credit card, it is recommended to check whether the protection is sufficient.
2. Main types of travel insurance
| insurance type | Protection content | Suitable for objects |
|---|---|---|
| Basic travel insurance | Accidental death, medical care, luggage | Short-haul, low-risk destinations |
| Comprehensive travel insurance | Basic + Trip cancellation, delay, emergency rescue | Long distance travel, international travel |
| adventure activity insurance | Covers high-risk activities such as skiing, diving, and mountain climbing | outdoor enthusiasts |
| Long term travel insurance | Long-term coverage beyond 30 days | Working vacation, long-term self-guided travel |
| Annual travel insurance | Guaranteed for multiple trips within a year | Frequent business travelers or travelers |
| Family travel insurance | One policy covers the whole family | family outing |
Tip
- Choose an insurance plan based on travel days, destination and activity type
- Compare the coverage content and claims service evaluations of different insurance companies
3. Important items for choosing insurance
-
Medical expenses amount
It is recommended to choose medical insurance worth at least US$50,000. Traveling to areas with high medical costs (such as the United States) requires higher amounts.
-
emergency medical evacuation
Confirm whether the cost of a medical flight or emergency evacuation to a better medical facility is included
-
Trip cancellation conditions
Read carefully what reasons are eligible for claim for trip cancellation. Different insurance companies may have different definitions.
-
Pre-existing conditions clause
Most insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions before departure, and some offer additional coverage options.
-
Deductible
Pay attention to whether there is a deductible for each claim. The lower the deductible, the higher the premium is usually.
-
Guaranteed area
Confirm the geographic coverage of the policy, some policies may exclude specific countries or regions
Tip
- Carefully read the "Exclusions" section of the insurance terms to understand the circumstances under which claims will not be covered.
- Keep the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number on your mobile phone and on paper
Important Notes
Accidents caused by drunkenness or illegal behavior are usually not covered
4. Claims Process and Things to Note
-
Notify insurance company immediately
Contact your insurance company’s emergency hotline as soon as possible after an accident; some policies require notification within 24-72 hours
-
Keep all documents
Medical receipts, diagnosis certificates, police reports, airline delay certificates, etc. All documents must be kept properly
-
Take photos and record
Take photos of property damage or accident scenes and keep them as supporting evidence for claims settlement
-
Fill out a claim application
Download or request a claim application form, fill in the accident details in detail, and attach all supporting documents
-
Track claim progress
After submitting the application, regularly track the progress and keep records of all communications with the insurance company.
Tip
- Download the claim application form and understand the process before departure. Don’t wait until something happens to research it.
- For larger medical expenses, first contact the insurance company to confirm whether the insurance company can pay directly to the hospital.
5. Insurance needs for special situations
| special situation | Additional protection needs | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| high risk sports | Extreme sports additional insurance | List the activities you plan to participate in and confirm that each item is covered by coverage |
| long term travel | Long-term medical insurance and accumulated property insurance coverage | Confirm that the coverage period is consistent with the actual travel time |
| pregnancy travel | Pregnancy-related medical insurance | Most plans have a number of weeks limit and usually do not cover after 28-32 weeks |
| Carrying high-priced items | Additional insurance for valuables | Proof of item value is required and deductible may be higher |
| Rent a car and drive yourself | Vehicle damage/third party liability insurance | Confirm whether insurance covers risks associated with renting a car |
| cruise travel | Medical treatment at sea, travel delays | General travel insurance may not cover marine rescue |
Tip
- Before purchasing, ask your insurance company whether the special events you plan will be covered.
- The premiums for high-risk activities will be higher than ordinary travel insurance, but protection in the event of an accident is very important
6. Travel Insurance FAQs
-
When is the best time to buy?
It is recommended to purchase as soon as possible after booking your trip, especially if you need trip cancellation protection. Purchase before departure at the latest
-
Can I still buy it after I’ve already departed?
Some insurance companies accept insurance while traveling, but coverage and waiting periods may be limited.
-
Do multiple people traveling together need to purchase separate insurance?
You can take out individual policies or choose a family/group policy, which often has group discounts
-
Is credit card travel insurance enough?
The travel insurance that comes with a credit card usually provides basic protection, so it is recommended to purchase additional ones to make up for the shortfall.
-
Do I need travel insurance if I already have medical insurance?
General medical insurance may not cover overseas medical treatment or may have limited coverage. Travel insurance provides more complete travel protection.
-
Are insurance premiums fixed?
The premium depends on the number of travel days, destination, age, coverage amount and activity type. The price difference between different plans may be large.
Tip
- When you’re not sure what protection you need, choosing comprehensive travel insurance is the most secure option
- Compare several stores before purchasing. The price difference for the same protection content may be as high as 50%.
7. 2026 Taiwan Travel Insurance Recommended Package
-
Credit card comes with travel insurance
Platinum-level credit cards usually come with travel insurance when you charge tour fees. But the "amount" is often not enough (2 million to 5 million more), and it only covers "during public transportation" (on airplanes/ships/buses), not the entire journey.
-
There is a big difference between "whole journey" vs "during public transportation"
Full-trip insurance: Covers people abroad → a must for self-guided travel; during public transportation: only covers airplanes/ships/buses → not enough for group tours
-
Overseas medical quota suggestions
Asia: 1 million to 3 million; Europe, America/Australia and New Zealand: 5 million to 10 million; Iceland/Switzerland/Norway: 10 million+ (medical care is super expensive)
-
Extreme activities insurance
Most standard insurance does not cover skiing, diving, skydiving, and mountaineering (3000m+). Choose a plan with "special sports conditions"
| Property and Casualty Insurance Company | 5 days premium | medical credit | Inconvenience insurance | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cathay Property & Casualty Insurance | NT$ 200-500 | 2 million | 5,000-15,000 | App direct purchase and digitization of claims process |
| Shin Kong Property & Casualty Insurance | NT$ 180-450 | 1.5 million | 5,000-12,000 | Cheap but fewer options |
| Fubon Property & Casualty Insurance | NT$ 250-550 | 3 million | 10,000-20,000 | The most complete protection |
| Mingtai Property & Casualty Insurance | NT$ 220-500 | 2.5 million | 8,000-15,000 | Works more with credit cards |
| South China Property & Casualty Insurance | NT$ 200-480 | 2 million | 5,000-10,000 | High C/P value |
| World Nomads | NT$ 800-1500 | USD 100K+ | USD 1,500+ | Suitable for long-term/extreme sports |
Important Notes
This table is for reference in May 2026. The actual premium depends on age, destination, and activity type. This content is general educational information, please read the terms carefully before purchasing.
8. 5 Key Points for Lightning Protection: Don’t be fooled by cheap ones
-
Point 1: Exclusions
Drunkness, suicide, self-mutilation, criminal behavior, war, and nuclear disasters will not be compensated. But the definition of "drunk" - a fall after drinking some beer may be classified as "caused by drinking"
-
Focus 2: Pre-existing conditions
Most diseases known before departure are not covered. For example, asthma, hypertension, diabetes. If you want to purchase, please inform us proactively and the premium may be increased.
-
Point 3: Scope of claims for trip cancellation
"Cancellation due to personal reasons" (not wanting to go) will not be compensated; only "serious illness/death of a family member", "natural disaster", and "orange red Ministry of Foreign Affairs warning" will be compensated. Read the policy terms carefully
-
Point 4: The Deductible Trap
Cheaper policies often have high deductibles (e.g. USD 250). Minor injuries and pains cannot be compensated at all. It is recommended to choose USD 50-100 deductible.
-
Point 5: 24h rescue hotline
In case of emergencies abroad, you should first call the insurance company’s hotline. **Pay first and then apply for claim** vs **Pay directly by the insurance company** There is a big difference. Confirm your policy model
Tip
- Before departure, save an insurance policy + rescue phone number on your mobile phone + paper copy
- For medical expenses above USD 500, it is recommended to contact the insurance company first to see if the insurance company can pay the hospital directly.
Key Takeaways
- 1 Travel insurance is low-cost but provides great protection. It is recommended to buy it every time you travel.
- 2 Choose the right insurance plan based on travel days, destination and activity type
- 3 Focus on medical expense limits, emergency assistance and trip cancellation protection
- 4 If an accident occurs, notify the insurance company immediately and retain all documents and evidence.
- 5 Special events and special situations require additional protection, so be sure to confirm before purchasing.
Related Links
Related Quick Guides
2026 Complete Guide to Traveling Alone: Safety Checklist, Destination Recommendations, Social Icebreakers and Psychological Adjustment
Are you scared of traveling alone for the first time? This article contains 2026 novice-friendly solo travel destinations, safety SOPs, accommodation options, social icebreaker skills, psychological adjustment, and a list of must-have apps
2026 Free Summer Kids Activities in Taiwan: Free Spots, Picnic Guide & Rainy-Day Plans
Fill the summer on a zero budget: free water parks in Taiwan, coin-price museums, library programs, picnic gear lists and rainy-day backup plans.
2026 Japan Cherry Blossom Guide: Bloom Forecast, Routes, and Budget Tips
Complete 2026 Japan cherry blossom season guide covering bloom forecasts, top viewing spots in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, itinerary planning, and money-saving tips for flights and accommodations.
General Disclaimer
The information provided on this site is for reference only. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Users should determine the applicability of the information on their own.