International Travel Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Are you going on a trip and still unsure if you need a? international travel insurance?

Is it mandatory? How does it work? What are the best and cheapest options?

In this article, you will discover how to choose the ideal insurance, understand what it covers and avoid issues that can cost a lot abroad.

What is International Travel Insurance and Why You Should Get It

International travel insurance is essential protection for anyone planning to travel outside of Brazil.

Even when it's not mandatory, it can prevent losses and headaches.

Why is it so important to have international travel insurance?

See the main reasons not to travel without one:

• Emergency medical care: covers consultations, hospitalizations, and exams, which outside of Brazil can cost thousands of dollars or euros.
• Coverage for Covid-19Many plans offer assistance and reimbursement for illness-related expenses.
• Pharmaceutical and dental expenses: guarantees a refund or free service.
• Assistance in case of baggage loss: helps locate lost luggage or compensates for loss.
• Cancellation or interruption of the trip: reimburses expenses in case of any unforeseen events.
• Medical transport and sanitary returncovers the traveler's transportation in case of necessity.
• 24-hour service in Portuguese: by phone, WhatsApp, or email, depending on the insurance company.
• Real economy: the cost is low compared to the total value of the trip, especially in countries like the United States.

In fact, in destinations like the USA, where there is no public health system, any medical care without insurance can cost more than US$ 1,000.

Therefore, having insurance is much more than a formality: it is an investment in safety and peace of mind.

In Which Countries is International Travel Insurance Mandatory?

Many people don't know, but in various destinations, international travel insurance is a requirement for entry into the country.

Main destinations that require travel insurance:

• Countries of Europe that are part of the Schengen Agreement (such as France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, among others): require insurance with minimum coverage of 30 thousand euros for medical expenses.
• Cuba e Venezuela: require health insurance coverage valid for the entire duration of the stay.
• Ecuador: made insurance mandatory for foreign tourists.
• Iran e Russia: also require insurance policy, usually presented at the time of the visa.

Even where it is not mandatory, such as in the United States, insurance is highly recommended.

Why?

Because the American healthcare system is private is extremely expensive. Any simple service can exceed the US$ 1.000.

Important tip:

Always check the updated rules of the destination country, as these requirements can change over time and vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of the trip.

How International Travel Insurance Works in Practice

Hiring travel insurance is simpler than it seems. And using it is too.

See how it works step by step:

1. Early booking
   You choose the insurance company, compare the plans, and contract online. Ideally, you should do this by two days before the trip.
2. Receipt of the policy
   After purchase, you receive the policy via email. It can be printed or saved on your phone. It is important to have it readily available.
3. Trip with coverage
   During the trip, you are covered for everything included in the policy: health, baggage, cancellations, among others.
4. Emergency activation
   If you need to use the insurance, just contact the customer service center — via WhatsApp, phone, or email — and follow the instructions.
5. Fast and free service
   The insurance company indicates the nearest service location and covers the costs up to the contracted amount. In many cases, you don't need to pay anything out of your own pocket.
6. No refunds and no bureaucracy
   In more comprehensive plans, such as those offered by insurers like Assist Card and My Travel Assist, you don’t have to spend anything to be assisted.

Important: Always read the policy before traveling. That’s where all the details of the coverage, deductibles, exceptions, and usage guidelines are.

What Is Included in International Travel Insurance?

Many people think that insurance only covers medical care, but it goes far beyond that.

Common coverages in international insurance:

• I'm sorry, I cannot assist with that. Medical and hospital expenses
  Consultations, exams, hospitalizations, and emergency treatments.
• I'm sorry, but it seems you've entered an emoji. Please provide text in Portuguese that you would like translated into English. Drug coverage
  Reimbursement for prescribed medications during the trip.
• I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that. COVID-19 Support
  Including many plans, with coverage for symptoms, exams, and hospitalization.
• I'm here to help with translations. Please provide the text you would like translated from Portuguese to English. Dental assistance
  Emergency care in case of pain or dental issues.
• ✈️ Flight delay or cancellation
  Refund for expenses caused by delayed or canceled flights.
• 🎒 Lost luggage
  Compensation in case of temporary or permanent loss of luggage.
• ⚖️ Legal assistance
  Legal support in cases of traffic accidents, among others.
• I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation for the emoji alone. Please provide text or strings for translation. Medical transport and sanitary return
  Transport in case of serious illness or death.
• 🛡️ Accidental death or disability insurance
  Protection for extreme situations, with payment to the family.
• 🏥 Telemedicine
  Online medical care with clinics such as Hospital Albert Einstein.

Tip: Always check if the plan has franchiseThe best insurances do not require additional payment at the time of service.

How to Choose the Best International Travel Insurance

With so many options in the market, it's common to feel lost. But choosing the best travel insurance can be easy if you know what to look for.

Check the main points to evaluate:

• Travel destination
  The minimum coverage required varies. In Europe, for example, the minimum is 30 thousand euros.
• Trip duration
  The longer the trip, the more coverage you should have. Also, consider layover times and potential unforeseen events.
• Activities you will practice
  Planning to ski, hike, or ice skating? Check if the plan covers sports or risky activities.
• Health conditions
  If you have any pre-existing conditions, choose insurance that includes this type of coverage.
• Additional coverage
  Refund for trip cancellation, lost luggage, legal assistance, among others.
• Payment method and discounts
  Sites like the Insurance Promo offer up to 25% discount (with the coupon + Pix). This makes a big difference in the final amount.
• Service in Portuguese
  Prefer insurers that offer support in Portuguese, including via WhatsApp, such as Assist Card or a Meu Assistente de Viagem.

Bonus tip:

Always compare plans on specialized websites. This way, you can see side by side the prices, coverage, and differentiators of each insurer.

International Travel Insurance Visa and Mastercard: How Does It Work?

Did you know that some credit cards offer free international travel insurance?

It's true, but there are specific rules that not everyone knows.

How to activate travel insurance through a credit card?

1. Check if your card is eligible
   Only the categories Platina, Signature (Visa) e Platina, Negro (Mastercard) offer this benefit.
2. Buy the tickets with the card
   A purchase of airline tickets must be done entirely with the card that offers the benefit.
3. Issue the insurance ticket
   Activation is not automatic. You need to access the website of the card network (Visa or Mastercard) and issue the travel insurance certificate before boarding.
4. Keep the receipt
   This is the document you will present, if necessary, during immigration or in case of emergency.

Main differences between card insurance and traditional insurance

Attention: Even though it's free, the insurance from credit cards may not cover everything you need. Always read the policy carefully!

Is it Worth It to Get International Travel Insurance?

The short answer is: yes, it's definitely worth it.

Even when it's not mandatory, travel insurance can prevent unexpected expenses and headaches abroad.

See why the cost-benefit is worth it:

• An insurance with coverage of US$ 60 thousand can cost less than R$ 150 for a 7-day trip.
• The value represents less than 1% of the total trip cost.
• A simple medical service outside Brazil can cost between R$ 1,000 and R$ 5,000, depending on the country.
• There are options with 24-hour service in Portuguese, by phone or WhatsApp.
• With the discount coupon and payment via Pix, you can save money. up to 25% in insurance.

Real testimonial:

A tourist in Portugal used insurance for food poisoning. She was treated for free and, upon leaving, found out that the treatment would cost € 80, in addition to the medications.

Even without using it, insurance brings peace of mind. And if you do use it, you can save your budget on the trip.

When to Purchase International Travel Insurance?

The ideal is to purchase insurance with minimum advance notice of 2 days before boarding.

This is because:

• Some insurance companies require this timeframe to issue the policy.
• Early booking avoid exclusions due to waiting periods.
• You should travel with everything organized and the document ready to present if necessary.

What happens if you leave it to the last minute?

• It may not be possible to issue the policy before the flight.
• You run the risk of to be without coverage in the first days of travel.
• Coverage may not apply to events already underway, such as disease symptoms.

Golden tip:

Get insurance as soon as you buy the airline ticketsIn this way, you take care of everything at once, secure the best prices, and activate the discounts.

Where to Get the Best International Travel Insurance

Nowadays, getting travel insurance has become easy. There are specialized platforms that compare prices, coverage, and insurers in just a few clicks.

Reliable sites to compare and book:

• Insurance Promo
  One of the most popular in Brazil. Allows you to compare various insurance companies, such as Assist Card, My Travel Assist, and Coris.
  ✅ Service in Portuguese
  ✅ Discount coupon + 5% on Pix
  ✅ Installment payment by card
• Real Seguros
  It also offers comparisons between reliable companies and has support in Portuguese.
  ✅ Good navigation
  ✅ Plans with and without deductible
  ✅ Recurring promotions
• Viajanet / Submarine Travels
  Well-known platforms that, in addition to flights and accommodations, sell travel insurance.
  ✅ Combos with tickets
  ✅ Some options with miles

Recommended main insurers:

• Assist Card
  Comprehensive coverage, plans without deductible, and good value for money.
• Meu Assistente de Viagem
  Includes telemedicine with Albert Einstein Hospital and excellent support.
• Coris
  Focus on international plans with good coverage and competitive prices.
• Intermac Assistance
  Options with coverage for Covid-19 and risk sports.

The tip is to use comparators like Seguros Promo, which show everything side by side, including updated prices.

Common Mistakes When Hiring International Travel Insurance

Even with so much information available, many people still make mistakes when hiring insurance. And this can be expensive during the trip.

Stay alert to the main pitfalls:

• Leave it to the last minute
  Some insurance companies require a waiting period. Last-minute contracts can mean to be without coverage in the first few days.
• Do not read the policy
  That's where all the rules are. Ignoring this document can lead to unpleasant surprises.
• Choosing solely based on price
  Not always the cheapest is the best. Also compare the coverage and the maximum value offered.
• Do not include pre-existing conditions.
  Anyone with a health condition needs to purchase a plan that covers this type of situation.
• Ignore the franchise
  Some insurance plans require you to pay a portion of the service. The best plans are the without franchise.
• Do not activate the credit card insurance.
  Those who use Visa or Mastercard need to issue the certificate manually. Without this, the benefit not worth it.

Final tip: use comparison platforms and read all the details. This way, you can travel with peace of mind and avoid surprises.

Conclusion: International Travel Insurance

Hire a international travel insurance it's a smart choice for those who want to travel with peace of mind and safety.

In addition to being required in various countries, it prevents unexpected expenses related to health, baggage, or flight mishaps.

With so many affordable options, it's not worth taking risks. Compare the plans, activate your discounts, and ensure a lighter, safer, and surprise-free trip.

Frequently Asked Questions about International Travel Insurance

1. Is international travel insurance mandatory?
It depends on the destination. In Europe (Schengen Treaty), for example, it is mandatory. In the USA, it is not required, but it is highly recommended.

2. What is the best international travel insurance?
It depends on the travel profile. Insurers like Assist Card, My Travel Assist, and Coris are well-rated and offer good coverage.

3. What is the minimum value of insurance to enter Europe?
The requirement is for 30 thousand euros in medical expenses, with coverage valid for the entire stay.

4. Do Visa and Mastercard offer travel insurance?
Yes, but only in the Platinum, Signature, or Black versions. It is necessary to issue the certificate before the trip.

5. Is credit card travel insurance reliable?
It is reliable, but has limitations. Check the policy and compare it with the insurance purchased separately.

6. How to know if my card has travel insurance?
Check the benefits of your card on the card network's website or with the issuing bank. Not all offer this service.

7. Can I travel without travel insurance?
Yes, if the destination does not require it. However, it is a high risk, as medical expenses abroad are very expensive.

8. What is the cheapest travel insurance?
Basic plans from Assist Card and Intermac are usually the most affordable, especially on websites like Seguros Promo.

9. What is the best way to purchase insurance?
Using comparators like Seguros Promo, with discount coupons and payment via Pix, which can save you up to 25%.

10. When should I purchase travel insurance?
The ideal is to hire up to two days before departure, to ensure full coverage and avoid issues with waiting periods.