Why you need insurance when travelling

Medical care abroad is expensive, and the Russian OMS (compulsory medical insurance) policy is not valid outside Russia. Travel insurance (VZR — insurance for those travelling abroad) pays for treatment if you suddenly fall ill or are injured on a trip. In addition, for many countries insurance is a condition of a visa or entry. For Schengen countries the minimum sum insured is EUR 30,000, and the policy must be valid throughout the Schengen area for the whole trip.

What the policy covers

Basic cover with most insurers:

  • outpatient and inpatient treatment for sudden illness or an accident;
  • emergency dental care (usually with a separate limit);
  • medicines prescribed by a doctor;
  • medical transport and evacuation;
  • repatriation — return home for medical reasons or in the event of death.

You can also add personal accident cover, baggage, third-party liability, trip cancellation costs and legal assistance.

How to choose the sum insured

The sum should match the cost of medical care in your destination. For Europe, the USA or Japan it is sensible to take a margin; for countries with more affordable medicine a smaller sum will do, unless the country sets its own minimum. Remember: the sum insured is the limit for all events during the trip.

What determines the price

  • Country and region — medical costs differ many times over.
  • Trip length or an annual multi-trip policy.
  • Age — the rate is higher for infants under one year and older travellers.
  • Active holidays and sport — skiing, diving and motorcycling require a separate option.
  • Deductible — the part of costs you pay yourself; it makes the policy cheaper.
  • Additional risks you choose.

Common exclusions

Read the insurance rules before buying. Most often not covered:

  • exacerbations of chronic diseases (some programmes cover them only to relieve an acute condition);
  • events while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
  • sports injuries if the sport is not included in the policy;
  • planned treatment and treatment that was the purpose of the trip;
  • pregnancy beyond a certain term — terms vary between insurers;
  • going to a clinic without the assistance company's approval, except in emergencies.

What an assistance company is

The assistance company is the insurer's service provider that organises help abroad: it finds a clinic, arranges payment and organises transport. Its number is printed on the policy. The quality of assistance in your destination is one of the main criteria for choosing an insurer.

What to do if something happens

  1. Call the assistance company on the number in your policy — before seeing a doctor, if your condition allows. Many companies accept messages via messengers and their app.
  2. Provide: your full name, policy number and validity period, your location, what happened, and a contact phone number.
  3. Follow the instructions: the assistance company will refer you to a partner clinic and pay for treatment directly.
  4. Keep the documents if you had to pay yourself: invoices, receipts, the medical report, prescriptions. After your return, the insurer will reimburse the costs if the event is covered.

In an emergency, call the local ambulance first and notify the assistance company as soon as possible.

How to buy a policy online

On the Polis Re website you can calculate and buy travel insurance online through our partner, the Cherehapa service. You compare offers from several insurance companies, choose the one that suits you, pay — and receive an electronic policy issued by the chosen insurer. Electronic policies are accepted by consulates and border services.

Start with the Travel insurance section or the travel insurance calculator. Popular destinations have their own pages, for example Schengen travel insurance and travel insurance for Turkey.

Pre-trip checklist

  • The sum insured meets the country's requirements.
  • The policy period covers the whole trip with a margin.
  • The sports and activities you plan are included.
  • The assistance number is saved in your phone and written down on paper.
  • You have the policy in electronic form and printed out.