Most Pakistani travellers buy travel insurance because an embassy asked for it, treat it as a piece of paper, and never look at what it covers. That is fine until something happens — at which point the difference between a compliant certificate and adequate cover becomes expensive.
When it is mandatory
Schengen visas require it. The policy must be valid across the entire Schengen area, cover the full period of stay, include emergency medical treatment and repatriation, and meet the specified minimum coverage level. Policies falling short are a routine refusal reason.
Several other destinations require insurance for certain visa categories, and Saudi Arabia has included medical insurance within the pilgrim visa framework at various points. Requirements change — we confirm the current position for your destination.
What a policy typically covers
- Emergency medical treatment — the core cover, and the reason to have it.
- Hospitalisation abroad.
- Emergency repatriation — medical evacuation home, which can cost more than everything else combined.
- Repatriation of remains in the event of death abroad.
- Trip cancellation and curtailment for specified covered reasons.
- Baggage loss, delay and damage.
- Passport and document loss assistance.
- Personal liability in some policies.
What it typically does not cover
- Undeclared pre-existing conditions. The most common reason a legitimate claim is rejected.
- Routine or elective treatment. Insurance is for emergencies.
- Hazardous activities unless specifically added — skiing, diving, quad biking.
- Incidents involving alcohol or drugs.
- Travel against medical advice or to a destination under an official advisory.
- Losses not reported within the required period or without a police report where one is required.
Diabetes, hypertension, cardiac conditions and anything you take regular medication for should be declared at purchase. It may cost more, or require a specific endorsement. Not declaring saves a little now and risks the entire claim later — which is precisely when you need it.
Age limits
Premiums rise with age bands and upper limits vary by insurer. Cover for travellers in their seventies and eighties is available but must be arranged specifically rather than assumed. This matters particularly for Umrah and Hajj groups, where elderly parents are frequently travelling and are precisely the people most likely to need the cover.
Choosing a policy
- Check the medical limit against the cost of healthcare at your destination. Europe and North America are expensive.
- Confirm the geographic scope covers everywhere you are going, including transit points.
- Check the dates cover your full trip, not just the days at the destination.
- Read the excess — the amount you pay per claim.
- Check the assistance line operates 24 hours and internationally.
- Declare everything that needs declaring.
If you need to claim
- Contact the assistance line before treatment where possible — many policies require prior authorisation for anything non-emergency.
- Keep every receipt, report and medical document.
- Report theft to the local police and obtain a written report; most policies require it.
- Report baggage issues to the airline before leaving the airport and get the reference.
- Submit within the policy's time limit.
How we help
We match the policy to your destination, trip length, ages and any visa requirement, and issue the certificate in the format your embassy expects. See our travel insurance page, or send us your trip details for options.
Need help with your travel plans?
Our consultants can answer your questions and arrange the whole trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
The policy must be valid across the whole Schengen area for the full stay, covering emergency treatment and repatriation to the specified minimum level. We issue certificates that meet the criteria.
Usually not unless declared and specifically accepted, sometimes at extra premium. Declaring honestly at purchase is essential — an undeclared condition is the most common reason a claim fails.
Limits vary by insurer and premiums rise with age bands. Cover for elderly travellers is available but must be arranged specifically. Tell us the ages of everyone travelling.
