Travel Insurance Guide 2026 — Questions and Answers

What is travel insurance and what does it cover?

Travel insurance is a policy that may provide medical coverage and assistance services while you are outside Israel, and often includes baggage, trip cancellation or curtailment and optional add-ons, subject to the policy terms.

The core component is usually medical coverage: hospitalization, medical treatment and assistance abroad, where costs may be high. Policies may also include baggage, flight delay or third-party liability benefits, subject to the policy terms. The exact scope is determined only by the policy purchased.

How much does travel insurance cost?

The price depends on trip length, destination, traveler age, number of insured travelers and selected add-ons, subject to the policy terms.

There is no single fixed price. A short trip to Europe for a young traveler will usually be priced differently from a long trip to the United States or a trip at an older age. The final premium is calculated in the purchase flow after the relevant details are entered, subject to the policy terms.

When should I buy travel insurance?

It is usually advisable to buy travel insurance soon after booking the trip, so relevant pre-departure benefits may apply where available, subject to the policy terms.

Buying earlier may help align the policy with the full trip timeline. It may still be possible to buy close to departure, but the policy must be in force before the required coverage period begins. All timing and eligibility conditions are subject to the policy terms.

Can I buy travel insurance at the last minute or on the day of travel?

In many cases, travel insurance can be purchased online close to departure or even on the day of travel, subject to the policy terms.

The digital purchase process can be fast, and the policy may be issued online. The important point is to complete the purchase before the relevant coverage begins. Eligibility, start dates and exclusions remain subject to the policy terms.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Israel does not have a general law requiring travel insurance, but certain destinations and visas may require proof of valid medical insurance, subject to their rules and the policy terms.

A common example is Schengen visa insurance, which requires proof of medical insurance that meets specific minimum requirements. Even where travel insurance is not legally required, medical coverage abroad is often considered important because treatment costs may be high, subject to the policy terms.

How much medical coverage do I need by destination?

The appropriate medical coverage amount depends on the destination. For countries with high medical costs, such as the United States, travelers often select higher amounts, subject to the policy terms.

The table below is general information only. Binding coverage amounts and exclusions are determined by the policy:

Travel insurance for ages 50+ — what should be checked?

Travelers aged 50+ should review eligibility, health declarations, relevant add-ons and medical coverage amounts, subject to the policy terms.

It is useful to prepare relevant medical details in advance and review whether the policy fits the trip and the traveler's health profile. Underwriting, coverage and eligibility are subject to the policy terms and insurer approval.

Can a trip with a pre-existing medical condition be insured?

No blanket coverage can be promised for every medical condition; pre-existing conditions are reviewed according to the policy, declarations, underwriting and insurer approval.

The main recommendation is to declare medical details accurately and review any relevant extension before departure. Coverage for any condition is subject to the policy terms.

What does baggage coverage include?

Baggage coverage may apply to loss, theft or damage to luggage, and sometimes to baggage delay, subject to limits, documentation requirements and the policy terms.

Limits and requirements differ between policies. Before traveling, review coverage caps, required reports and exclusions, subject to the policy terms.

What are common travel insurance add-ons?

Common add-ons may include adventure sports, long trips, pregnancy-related cover, valuable equipment and destination-specific extensions, subject to the policy terms.

• Sports and activities: higher-risk activities that may not be included in a base policy, subject to the policy terms.
• Long trip: extended travel periods beyond the standard period, subject to the policy terms.
• Pregnancy: based on pregnancy week and policy conditions, subject to the policy terms.
• Valuable equipment: cameras, computers and sensitive equipment, subject to coverage limits and the policy terms.

Each add-on is reviewed and priced separately, subject to the policy terms.

What is the difference between direct payment and reimbursement?

In approved cases, some policies may allow direct payment to a medical provider abroad instead of paying out of pocket and filing for reimbursement, subject to the policy terms.

The practical advantage may be less paperwork and less upfront payment by the traveler. Availability, approval and service limits are subject to the policy terms.

What insurance is required for a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa requires proof of valid medical insurance for the full stay, with minimum medical coverage of EUR 30,000, as set by the EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, Article 15.

The insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen Area and include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization and repatriation, according to the visa rules and subject to the policy terms. Before filing a visa application, verify that the policy documents meet the applicable requirements.

What is usually not covered by travel insurance?

Policies include exclusions, such as undeclared medical conditions, high-risk activities not covered by an add-on, and events under the influence of alcohol or drugs, subject to the policy terms.

Before buying, review the exclusions section carefully. The binding list of exclusions is determined only by the policy terms.

Is my credit card coverage enough instead of travel insurance?

Some credit cards include limited travel-related cover, but limits, eligibility and exclusions may differ from a dedicated travel insurance policy, subject to their terms.

Review the credit card coverage limits and exclusions and compare them with the actual trip needs. Any travel insurance coverage is subject to the relevant policy terms.

How do I choose suitable travel insurance?

Match the policy to the trip length, destination, traveler age, health status and trip activities, and review medical limits and add-ons, subject to the policy terms.

• Match the medical coverage amount to the destination, subject to the policy terms.
• Review add-ons according to trip type, such as sports or long travel, subject to the policy terms.
• Review baggage terms, exclusions and documentation requirements.
• Where needed, consult a licensed agent before purchase.

How do I buy travel insurance online?

Online purchase is completed through a secure purchase site: enter destination, dates and traveler details, select coverage and add-ons, and receive the policy digitally, subject to the policy terms.

Through a licensed insurance agent, you may receive guidance before purchase so the selected coverage can be reviewed against the trip profile, subject to the policy terms.