Ms Whitemore said her stepfather fell ill on a holiday the family had taken to celebrate a number of birthdays.

“He was struggling to breathe, so he went to different clinics for X-rays, scans and tests. We thought ‘this is really good, they’re onto it’,” she said.

But once they reached a hospital to pick up some antibiotics, Ms Whitemore said they were shocked to be told “antibiotics won’t cure cancer” and that Mr Kirby was going to die.

“Obviously, there’s a big communication barrier,” she said.

“But it was so scary, my poor mum, bless her. She didn’t know anything of what was going on,” Ms Whitemore added.

She said Allianz agreed to fly her stepfather to a general hospital in Athens but would not cover the cost of an air ambulance back to Yeovil.

What is travel health insurance? And do we really need it or is it just some gimmick by travel and tour companies? Do we need it even if we are extremely careful about everything while travelling and are sure that we will not get into any troubles? Well, travel health insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to cover medical expenses and health-related emergencies that may occur while travelling, either domestically or internationally. It provides financial protection against unexpected healthcare costs, such as hospitalization, doctor consultations, medications, or emergency medical evacuation, ensuring travelers can access necessary care without significant out-of-pocket expenses. And believe it or not, medical expenses abroad can go very steep most of the time.For worry-free trips, whether to nearby destinations or international locations, it’s good to understand what this is all about. Here are five key points to consider before purchasing a policy.

Coverage scope and exclusions

Travel health insurance typically covers medical emergencies, such as hospitalization, doctor visits, and emergency medical evacuation. Policies vary so some may even include coverage for trip cancellations, lost luggage, or dental emergencies. But most of these policies focus solely on health. Some policies also exclude pre-existing conditions, routine check-ups, or high-risk activities like adventure sports. However, there are specialised coverages for these cases, and they differ from insurer to insurer. unless specifically added. Remember to read the policy’s fine print to confirm what’s covered.

Destination-specific requirements

Some countries require proof of travel health insurance for visa approval or entry. For example, it is mandatory to have minimum medical coverage of EUR 30,000 for Schengen countries, for medical emergencies.

Check carefully coverage limits and claim process

Policies have limits on coverage amounts and may require upfront payment with reimbursement later or direct billing with partnered hospitals. Do check with the insurer whether they have a 24/7 helpline and a network of hospitals for cashless treatment. A complex claim process can be problematic during emergencies.

Consider health and travel plans

Do you or your loved ones have pre-existing medical conditions? Pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease may require additional coverage as some policies don’t cover these. If you plan adventure activities, ensure the policy covers such risks. There are chances of getting sick while travelling or even getting injured, make sure the insurance plan covers all these. A comprehensive medical coverage is what we are looking at. It’s good to disclose all medical conditions when applying to avoid claim rejections.

Compare costs and reputable providers

A basic policy for a week-long international trip might cost INR 1700-2000, while comprehensive plans with higher limits can exceed the aforementioned amount. Don’t choose solely based on price. Cheaper policies may seem desirable, but some tend to skimp on coverage. Some even have poor claim support. You don’t want that headache. It’s always good to compare costs from as many reputed insurers as one can. Do check what al they cover. Also, while not all customer reviews can be fully trusted, don’t skip this process as it may give you a general idea.