Travel in 2026: how to choose the perfect insurance and stay calm (Part 2)

In the first part of our guide to safe travel, we looked in detail at how to navigate the new EES biometric system at the border in 2026, avoid missing flights during complicated connections, and locate your suitcase using AirTag trackers.

Today, we’ll discuss the second, equally important component of a stress-free holiday — how to choose the right travel insurance for your specific holiday style, avoid false expectations, and know exactly what to do if you need medical assistance whilst abroad.

The purpose of the trip: where is the line between leisure and risk?

The most common cause of disappointment or claims being rejected abroad is confusion about the purpose of the trip and widespread misconceptions. When buying a basic policy, travellers often think:

• ‘I just hired a bike for an hour in the city — is that really an active holiday?’
• “We’re just playing volleyball on the beach — it’s just a normal hobby!”
• “We’re just going into the mountains for a gentle walk along a trail — why would we need sports insurance for that?”

However, what matters to an insurance company isn’t our everyday label for the activity, but the level of potential risk and physical exertion involved. If, during a beach holiday, you hire a bike, play volleyball or go on a mountain trek and sustain an injury, a standard policy for ‘passive leisure’ won’t cover you.

To avoid any misunderstandings, let’s break down all categories of activity according to a single, clear framework:

1. Passive tourism — a holiday without physical exertion

• Essence:A classic, relaxed holiday that does not involve any additional physical exertion or the use of personal transport.
• What this includes:Relaxing on the beach near your hotel, guided city tours, shopping trips, spa treatments, therapeutic and wellness trips, or pilgrimage tours.

2. Active holidays — recreational sports and entertainment

• Essence:Any form of entertainment requiring physical exertion, agility or the use of means of transport (including standard bike or stand-up paddleboard hire).
• What’s included: Bike hire, horse or camel riding; beach volleyball, football, badminton; swimming in the sea or a pool; diving (up to 18 m); parasailing; category 1–2 white-water rafting; easy trekking (altitude up to 2,500 m).

3. Sport — high mountains, diving and competitions

• Essence:Participation in any sports training sessions and competitions (even amateur ones), as well as leisure activities involving high levels of exertion or special equipment.
• What this includes: Mountain treks (to altitudes of 2,500 to 3,500 m); diving (from 18 to 30 m); caving; skydiving; hunting or fishing in remote locations; taking part in tournaments, races or competitions.

4. Extreme — adrenaline and pushing the limits

• Essence: Activities posing the highest risk to life and health, requiring professional training, equipment and skill.
• What this includes: Deep-sea diving (from 30 to 40 m), rock climbing, base jumping, high-difficulty rafting, hang-gliding, heli-skiing and wingsuit flying.

The main rule when choosing: Be conservative in your assessment. If there is even a 1 per cent chance that you might go cycling, stand-up paddleboarding or go for a mountain hike whilst on holiday — choose the category with the highest actual risk. This will protect you from false expectations and guarantee a payout in the event of an accident.

The conscientious traveller’s checklist: how to choose the ideal policy

When you’re absolutely certain about the purpose of your trip, putting together the right cover becomes very straightforward. Pay attention to a few key factors right from the moment of purchase:

1. Honest activity category. Assess your plans realistically: swimming and leisurely walks fall under ‘Passive tourism’; bike hire, stand-up paddleboarding or beach volleyball fall under ‘Active leisure’; and mountain hikes above 2,500 metres or amateur competitions fall under ‘Sport’.
2. Purchase in advance and allow for extra days. It is best to take out a policy before crossing the border. If you take out insurance whilst already outside Ukraine, cover will, according to the terms and conditions, only come into effect from the fourth day after the policy is taken out. It is also advisable to add 1–2 extra days to the cover period in case of travel delays or changes to your itinerary.
3. Standard — zero excess. Euroins policies come with no excess as standard. This means that in the event of a claim, the company will reimburse medical expenses in full, with no hidden deductions from your pocket.
4. Extended care service. For maximum comfort, choose the Elite or Premium plans. These include the ‘Medical Concierge’ option (assistance in finding the necessary medicines by their international name or the required specialist abroad), round-the-clock online consultations via the DOBRODOC+ app, and, in the event of prolonged hospitalisation, they will cover the cost of tickets for a close relative or arrange for children to be brought home.

A ‘don’t panic’ guide: what to do if an insured event occurs

Even if you fall ill or suffer a serious injury whilst abroad, the most important thing is to stay calm and follow a clear and simple procedure.

• Contact the assistance provider straight away. At the first signs of illness, get in touch with the assistance provider named in your policy. Do this in the way that suits you best: by phone, via Telegram/Viber bots or online chat. Give your surname, policy number and describe the situation in detail. The coordinator will find the nearest clinic and arrange a doctor’s appointment so that you do not have to pay out of your own pocket.
• In an emergency.If your condition is serious and there is no time to wait, and you have gone to hospital on your own, be sure to notify the assistance provider at the earliest opportunity (no later than 48 hours afterwards). Keep all detailed receipts, discharge summaries and prescriptions with official stamps. Please note: expenses exceeding 1,000 u.o. require mandatory prior written approval from the insurer.
• Keep your documents to hand.Save your digital policy to your mobile phone in advance, and add the assistance chatbot to your favourites in your messaging app.

Travelling offers incredible experiences if you approach it sensibly. Flight delays, a cold or an injury are just minor life situations when you have reliable insurance cover behind you.

Planning a holiday in 2026? Check your risk level and work out the cost of your ideal policy using the Euroins online calculator.