What insurance do you need abroad, and what to do if you fall ill there?

You don't need just 'any' insurance — you need one that works as a shield at the worst possible moment. Forget cheap tick-the-box policies. How to choose a working policy: coverage of at least $50,000 (ambulance, hospital and medication bills can be shocking — this is the key parameter); a basic option set — treatment of COVID-19 and other infections, telemedicine (an online doctor consult solves most issues without a clinic visit), accident cover and emergency dentistry; and read the exclusions — policies often don't cover injuries while intoxicated, chronic conditions or extreme sport (even snowboarding or diving often needs a surcharge). If you fall ill or get injured: Step 0 — don't panic. Step 1 — do NOT go to a hospital on your own. Step 2 — call the 24/7 support number on your policy; the dispatcher will tell you whether to call an ambulance, use telemedicine, or which partner clinic to go to. Step 3 — keep ALL documents (receipts, prescriptions, medical reports), or the insurer may refuse to pay. Bottom line: insurance is your action plan for an emergency — spend 15 minutes learning the terms and it pays back in peace of mind for the whole trip.