Travel insurance and international health insurance sound similar but serve fundamentally different purposes. Confusing them can leave you dangerously underinsured. Here's what each covers and who needs which.
Comparison Table
Provider
Emergency Medical
Routine Healthcare
Trip Protection
Long-Term Suitability
Cost
Coverage Depth
Travel Insurance
★★★★☆
★☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
★★☆☆☆
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
International Health Insurance (Cigna Global, Bupa International, Aetna)
★★★★★
★★★★★
★☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
★☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
ℹ️ Good to Know
Scores are based on our hands-on testing, user reviews, and price monitoring across multiple European countries.
1. Travel Insurance
Pros
Covers trip cancellation, baggage loss, delays, and travel-specific risks
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation covered
Affordable — €30-100 per trip for comprehensive coverage
Designed for the specific risks of travelling: flight cancellations, stolen passports, etc.
Cons
Does NOT cover routine healthcare — no GP visits, prescriptions, or check-ups
Time-limited — designed for trips, not ongoing residence abroad
Pre-existing conditions often excluded or heavily restricted
Not suitable for expats or long-term residents — policies cap at 31-365 days
For holidays and short trips (under 3 months), travel insurance is correct — it covers the trip-specific risks (cancellation, baggage, emergency medical) at an affordable price. For expats and long-term residents abroad, international health insurance is essential — it replaces your home country's healthcare system with comprehensive ongoing medical coverage. Digital nomads in a grey area (travelling continuously but needing occasional healthcare) should consider nomad-specific products (SafetyWing Remote Health, Genki) that bridge the gap between travel and health insurance.
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BestTravelScout Editorial Team
Our editorial team researches and tests travel products hands-on, comparing prices and policies across dozens of providers to bring you honest, data-backed recommendations.