| We look for | Why it matters |
| High medical cover | Overseas treatment can be very expensive |
| Cancellation cover | Protects prepaid bookings |
| Baggage cover | Helps replace essentials |
| Adventure activity cover | Important for skiing, hiking, cycling etc. |
| Rental car excess | Useful if hiring a vehicle |
No one books a family holiday expecting something to go wrong.
But after travelling with children through Europe and New Zealand, we’ve learnt that travel insurance isn’t just another expense—it’s one of the few things you hope you never need but are incredibly grateful to have if something unexpected happens.
Medical emergencies, cancelled flights, lost luggage or even a child becoming sick before departure can quickly turn an exciting holiday into a stressful and expensive experience.
The good news is that choosing good travel insurance doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s what we actually look for before every family trip.
Why Travel Insurance Matters More When You’re Travelling With Kids
Travelling with children means there are simply more variables.
A delayed flight might mean missed accommodation.
A fever the day before departure could force you to cancel an entire holiday.
Lost luggage suddenly becomes much more stressful when it contains nappies, medication or children’s clothing.
While many trips go perfectly, travel insurance provides peace of mind when things don’t.
What We Look For In A Family Travel Insurance Policy
Medical Cover
This is always our number one priority.
Medical treatment overseas can be extremely expensive, particularly in countries such as the United States.
Look for policies that include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital expenses
- Ambulance transport
- Emergency dental treatment
- Medical evacuation if required
Trip Cancellation And Interruption
Life doesn’t always go according to plan.
Good cancellation cover can protect prepaid costs if your trip has to be cancelled or cut short due to covered events such as illness or family emergencies.
Lost, Delayed Or Stolen Luggage
Most luggage eventually arrives.
Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn’t.
Good insurance can help cover replacement clothing, toiletries and essential items while you wait for your bags.
Cover For Your Activities
Every family holiday is different.
If you’re planning skiing, hiking, cycling, kayaking or other adventure activities, check they’re included before purchasing your policy.
Many insurers exclude higher-risk activities unless additional cover is purchased.
Rental Car Excess
If you’re hiring a vehicle, this is worth checking carefully.
Some travel insurance policies include rental vehicle excess cover, which could save you a significant amount if your hire car is damaged.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
If anyone in your family has an existing medical condition, always check how it is treated by the insurer.
Some conditions can be declared and covered, while others may be excluded.
Never assume you’re covered without reading the policy wording.
Is Credit Card Travel Insurance Enough?
Some premium credit cards include complimentary travel insurance.
For simple trips this may be perfectly adequate.
However, it’s worth checking:
- Are all family members covered?
- Is there sufficient medical cover?
- Are there age restrictions?
- Do you need to pay for the trip using the card?
- Are adventure activities included?
Many travellers discover the limitations only after making a claim.
Annual Or Single Trip Insurance?
If your family travels several times each year, an annual multi-trip policy can often provide better value.
If you’re only taking one holiday, a single-trip policy is usually the more economical option.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Buying insurance based only on price.
- Not reading the exclusions.
- Forgetting to declare medical conditions.
- Assuming your credit card covers everything.
- Waiting until the last minute to purchase insurance.
Buying early often provides cancellation cover immediately after your policy begins.
Our Approach
Rather than looking for the cheapest policy, we look for one that offers the right balance of cover, value and ease of making a claim.
Every family’s needs are different, so it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to compare policies before you travel.
We’ve recently begun evaluating travel insurance providers for Numadi and currently recommend comparing policies carefully to ensure the cover matches your destination and planned activities.
If you’re looking for an online provider that offers international travel insurance with digital policy delivery, EKTA Travel Insurance is one option worth considering. We recommend reviewing the policy wording and coverage details to make sure it suits your family’s specific trip before purchasing.
Check EKTA Travel Insurance here.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance is one of those purchases you hope never to use.
But if something unexpected happens, it can save thousands of dollars and a great deal of stress.
The best policy isn’t necessarily the cheapest—it’s the one that gives your family the protection you need for the type of trip you’re taking.
Spending a few minutes comparing cover before you leave is one of the easiest ways to travel with greater confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need travel insurance?
While it isn’t legally required for every destination, we strongly recommend it. Medical emergencies, cancellations and lost luggage can all become expensive very quickly.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Ideally, purchase it soon after booking your trip. Many policies include cancellation benefits from the date you purchase them.
Does travel insurance cover children?
Many family policies include dependent children, but always check the policy wording and age limits.
Is the cheapest policy good enough?
Not always. Compare medical limits, exclusions and benefits rather than focusing only on price.
Can I buy travel insurance after I’ve started travelling?
Some insurers allow this, while others do not. It’s generally best to arrange cover before leaving home.