Travel Insurance Comparison: The Criteria That Actually Matter
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Comparing travel insurance by price alone is the most common, and long-term most expensive, mistake you can make: two policies at the same price can have completely different medical coverage. Before looking at the bottom-line number, compare six concrete criteria: medical coverage amount, COVID-19 coverage, sports and adventure activities, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and only at the end, the relative price between equivalent plans.
The table on this page summarizes what to ask any insurer before buying, using Assist-365 as a reference point for what a complete plan should include, so you can apply the same checklist to any other option you're evaluating.
The 6 criteria you should always compare
- Medical coverage amount: USD 30,000 and USD 300,000 are not the same thing; this defines the real spending ceiling the insurer will cover.
- COVID-19 coverage: some insurers now exclude or limit it; confirm it's included with no special conditions.
- Sports and adventure activities: check the exclusion list, not just the coverage list.
- Pre-existing conditions: ask whether they're covered at all and what the specific sub-limit is.
- Medical and funeral repatriation: should be included at no extra cost in most serious plans.
- Relative price: only compare it between plans with equivalent medical coverage amounts, never between plans with different coverage levels.
Comparison table of key criteria
Use this table as a checklist any time you quote travel insurance, with Assist-365 shown here as a reference example.
What you shouldn't compare (because it's not reliable information)
Avoid basing your comparison on scattered social media reviews with no context, or vague "full coverage" promises with no specific number behind them. A good comparison relies on concrete figures from each plan's certificate, like the coverage amount and its sub-limits and exclusions, not general marketing language.
How to use this comparison when getting a quote
Take the six criteria from this guide and ask for them in writing, or check them in the digital certificate, before paying for any policy, whether from Assist-365 or another insurer. Exact terms and prices change depending on your country of residence, age, and chosen plan, so the final step should always be getting a direct quote to confirm current figures.
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What to compare when choosing travel insurance
| Criterion | What to ask | Example: Assist-365 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum medical coverage | What's the maximum amount, and is there a per-event limit? | From entry-level plans up to Elite Cover (USD 500,000) and Million Cover (USD 1,000,000) |
| COVID-19 | Is it included on every plan or optional? | Included on every plan (hospitalization and treatment) |
| Adventure sports | Which specific activities are excluded? | General medical assistance coverage; confirm specific activities at quote time |
| Pre-existing conditions | What sub-limit applies if declared? | Approximately USD 40,000-50,000 depending on the plan |
| Repatriation | Is medical and funeral repatriation included at no extra cost? | Included in the plans |
| Lost luggage | What's the coverage amount? | Between USD 5,000 and 10,000 depending on the plan |
| Digital assistance | Is 24-hour help available through digital channels? | Unlimited 24-hour online doctors and telepsychology, purchase and support via WhatsApp/app |
Get a quote in minutes with Assist-365 and apply your discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the single most important criterion when comparing travel insurance?
The maximum medical coverage amount, because it defines how much the insurer will actually pay in a serious emergency.
Do all travel insurance plans cover COVID-19?
No; some now exclude or limit it, so confirm this explicitly before buying.
Is it reliable to compare travel insurance by final price alone?
No; price is only comparable between plans with equivalent medical coverage amounts and exclusions, otherwise the comparison is misleading.
Where do I check a policy's real exclusions?
In the full certificate or policy wording, not just the plan's promotional page.
Is Assist-365 the only option that meets these six criteria?
Not necessarily; these criteria work for comparing any insurer, and Assist-365 is used here as a reference example with verified data.
