When an insurance claim occurs and a traveller does not receive the expected payout from the insurance company, they are often outraged: ‘Cheated! Promised!’. However, many people get information about insurance from the Internet, on websites where travellers, not insurers, communicate with each other. The information there is not always correct, sometimes there are more myths than truth. Let's analyse the most common myths and tell you how to act to avoid trouble.

Myth 1: You can go to any hospital and then ask for compensation

Example: Alexander bought insurance before travelling. While travelling, he fell ill and went to the nearest hospital, paying for the treatment himself. When he returned home and applied for compensation, the insurance company refused.

Why was it refused? Alexander did not contact the insurance company before going to the doctor, although he was obliged to do so. The insurance company has the right to refuse compensation if you go to a doctor without a referral.

How to proceed: Write down the numbers of the assistance centre and the insurance company so that you always have them handy. Keep a copy of the policy on your mobile phone or take a picture of it. If something happens, call the 24-hour service centre immediately.

Myth 2: A tourist will not only be covered for an injury, but will also be paid on top of it

Example: Varvara broke her arm while travelling and contacted her insurer. She expected to be paid for the injury but was refused.

Why was it denied? Varvara's insurance only covered medical services and did not pay for accidents.

How to proceed: Activate the accident option when you buy the policy. The amount of payout will depend on the severity of the injury.

Myth 3: Insurance will pay for as many doctor's visits as you like

Example: Christina injured her arm and went to the doctor. She followed all the recommendations, but the insurance company only paid for part of the visit.

Why was it denied? The insurer pays for a limited number of visits per insured event.

How to proceed: Coordinate treatment with the assistance. If you cannot contact them, contact the insurance company.

Myth 4: The insurer pays for everything at once

Example: Valentina fell ill in the last days of the trip and contacted the assistance, but the hospital demanded payment from her.

Why was it refused? In some cases, the insurance company may ask the traveller to pay for medical services themselves, especially in hard-to-reach places.

How to proceed: Set aside a sum of money in advance for unexpected expenses.

Myth 5: You can buy insurance when you are already sick

Example: Konstantin decided not to buy insurance before travelling, thinking he could do it later, but faced a refusal.

Why was he refused? Illnesses and injuries that occurred before the purchase are not covered.

How to proceed: Buy a policy before travelling in Russia.

Myth 6: Annual insurance is valid for the whole year

Example: Veronica bought an annual insurance policy, but when extending her trip she found out that it was no longer valid.

Why was it refused? The insurance is only valid for the number of days that the traveller has chosen when buying the insurance.

How to proceed: Keep track of the number of insured days and renew the insurance in advance.

Myth 7: Travel insurance is not necessary in Russia, as there is an MHI.

Example: Vladimir decided not to buy insurance, relying on the OMS, and encountered problems when going to the doctor.

How to proceed: When travelling in Russia, it is also worth buying a travel policy to avoid queues and delays.

Conclusion

Travel insurance is your protection when travelling. To avoid trouble, always check the terms and conditions of the policy, include the necessary options and don't forget to pre-arrange treatment. Be careful and well prepared and your journey will be pleasant and safe! ✅