Travel Insurance in 2025: Why Ukrainians No Longer Risk Traveling Without a Policy

18/ 07/ 2025

Today, travel insurance is no longer just a “just in case” option — it has become a fundamental need for any responsible traveler. Despite life remaining quite turbulent, Ukrainians continue to travel. Diana Kochenkova, Director of the Retail Products and Services Development Department at UNIQA Insurance Company, explains how demand for travel insurance has changed in 2025. Of course, we’re not talking about a dramatic surge in demand for travel insurance. We’re certainly not seeing a return to the volumes of 2022. Ukrainians are still traveling far less than in peacetime. However, in 2025, we have observed a 15–20% increase compared to 2024, on average. There is a specific segment of clients who hadn’t dared to travel since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but in 2025, they decided to go abroad on vacation. This includes mothers with children or elderly people. Travel Insurance — It’s Not Just About Medical Coverage A modern insurance policy goes far beyond covering unexpected illnesses or a broken leg. It also includes compensation for lost baggage, flight cancellations or delays, lost documents, and even legal assistance abroad. How to Choose the Right Policy? First and foremost, pay attention to the amount of medical coverage. For trips to Europe, a minimum of €30,000 is sufficient. For the USA or Asia, it’s better to have at least €50,000. Also check the dental coverage limit — whether it exists and how much it covers. Even in the most basic policy, it should be at least €200. When choosing a policy, it’s important to check exactly what it covers: whether it includes trip cancellations, baggage delays, illnesses, or even participation in active sports like skiing or diving. That doesn’t mean you always have to choose the most expensive or extensive plan, but you should definitely match it to the purpose of your trip. Extreme sports like snowboarding or rock climbing tend to increase the cost of insurance. So, if your vacation is all about evening strolls in Paris or exploring the streets of Prague, there’s no need to overpay for these options. But if you’re planning to do something extreme, it’s crucial to check whether the insurance will cover injuries related to those activities. Otherwise, you might end up buying a policy that won’t help you — insurers have every right to refuse coverage if extreme sports weren’t included in your plan. It’s also important to know whether the insurance company operates on a cashless basis — meaning they pay expenses directly without the client having to pay upfront. This helps avoid paying large amounts out of pocket and waiting weeks for reimbursement. It’s convenient when the company offers a mobile app, online services, and 24/7 support in Ukrainian — especially if something goes wrong abroad at an inconvenient time. Tips for Travelers Don’t cut corners on insurance — medical care abroad can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Read the terms carefully before purchasing: what situations are covered and what are not. Don’t forget to check which countries are included — most policies don’t cover regions with military conflicts or political instability. Some countries, like Nepal or Indonesia, may be more expensive to insure. We recommend purchasing your policy online — it’s fast, convenient, and you’ll always have it accessible on your smartphone. In 2025, travel insurance is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. A policy can not only save your life but also bring peace of mind throughout your journey. Ukrainians are increasingly aware of this and are approaching insurance with greater responsibility. And that is the best investment in a safe trip.

Of course, we’re not talking about a dramatic surge in demand for travel insurance. We’re certainly not seeing a return to the volumes of 2022. Ukrainians are still traveling far less than in peacetime. However, in 2025, we have observed a 15–20% increase compared to 2024, on average. There is a specific segment of clients who hadn’t dared to travel since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but in 2025, they decided to go abroad on vacation. This includes mothers with children or elderly people.

Travel Insurance — It’s Not Just About Medical Coverage

A modern insurance policy goes far beyond covering unexpected illnesses or a broken leg. It also includes compensation for lost baggage, flight cancellations or delays, lost documents, and even legal assistance abroad.

How to Choose the Right Policy?

First and foremost, pay attention to the amount of medical coverage. For trips to Europe, a minimum of €30,000 is sufficient. For the USA or Asia, it’s better to have at least €50,000. Also check the dental coverage limit — whether it exists and how much it covers. Even in the most basic policy, it should be at least €200.

When choosing a policy, it’s important to check exactly what it covers: whether it includes trip cancellations, baggage delays, illnesses, or even participation in active sports like skiing or diving.

That doesn’t mean you always have to choose the most expensive or extensive plan, but you should definitely match it to the purpose of your trip. Extreme sports like snowboarding or rock climbing tend to increase the cost of insurance. So, if your vacation is all about evening strolls in Paris or exploring the streets of Prague, there’s no need to overpay for these options. But if you’re planning to do something extreme, it’s crucial to check whether the insurance will cover injuries related to those activities. Otherwise, you might end up buying a policy that won’t help you — insurers have every right to refuse coverage if extreme sports weren’t included in your plan.

It’s also important to know whether the insurance company operates on a cashless basis — meaning they pay expenses directly without the client having to pay upfront. This helps avoid paying large amounts out of pocket and waiting weeks for reimbursement.

It’s convenient when the company offers a mobile app, online services, and 24/7 support in Ukrainian — especially if something goes wrong abroad at an inconvenient time.

Tips for Travelers

Don’t cut corners on insurance — medical care abroad can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Read the terms carefully before purchasing: what situations are covered and what are not. Don’t forget to check which countries are included — most policies don’t cover regions with military conflicts or political instability. Some countries, like Nepal or Indonesia, may be more expensive to insure.

We recommend purchasing your policy online — it’s fast, convenient, and you’ll always have it accessible on your smartphone.

In 2025, travel insurance is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. A policy can not only save your life but also bring peace of mind throughout your journey. Ukrainians are increasingly aware of this and are approaching insurance with greater responsibility. And that is the best investment in a safe trip.