THE SHORT ANSWER
Home insurance normally includes travel cover, including for acute illness and accidents during a trip. The agreement states how long it applies and which people are covered. Many policies have a 45-day limit, but not all.
A longer trip, studying abroad or particular activities may need a separate check. Start with your existing terms before treating an offer of extra travel cover as something you are missing. [1][2]
Keep these points in mind
- Compare the whole trip with the policy's time limit.
- Card insurance is often supplementary.
- The same cost does not produce a double payout.
STEP BY STEP
How to check your cover
Check the people and trip length
Read which travellers are covered and when the days start counting. Write down your departure and return dates. Also check the terms for travel within Sweden, where an overnight stay may be required. Do not assume everyone on the booking is automatically insured.
[1][2]Separate the questions you want answered
Emergency treatment, repatriation, cancellation, delays and lost luggage are different questions. Read each relevant part. Cancellation cover is not always included in basic cover, even when treatment during the trip is. Note the clause for each answer.
[2]Read about longer trips and exclusions beforehand
If the trip exceeds the time limit, check how cover can continue. Contact the insurer before travelling. Also check the conditions for the trip's purpose, activities and existing symptoms or conditions. A policy valid at the destination does not necessarily cover every activity there.
[1][2]Compare other travel cover line by line
If you paid by card, read the payment requirement and which people the card insurance covers. Put any separate travel policy beside the home policy. Mark cover for the same costs as overlap, while also keeping track of the parts that only one agreement provides.
[3][4]
When do you need separate travel insurance?
Konsumenternas describes several situations where the travel cover in home insurance is not enough: the trip lasts longer than the cover, you study, do an internship or work abroad, you plan risky activities, or you have no home insurance.
If you will be away longer than your travel cover lasts, often 45 days, you can extend it before you leave or take out separate travel insurance. Supplementary travel insurance can also add things the basic cover lacks, but it is not comprehensive.
- A lower excess if something happens during the trip.
- A replacement trip if you fall ill for more than half of the travel time.
- Fixed-amount payments from several policies for the same event.
Overlap does not mean the agreements are identical
If several policies reimburse the same cost, their combined payments cannot exceed that cost. But one policy may also include other cover. Distinguish cost reimbursement from any fixed amounts, and read the terms for each part.
[4]Put the documents side by side
In My Forsio, you can gather the documents and see the information and findings the analysis identifies. Return to the source when an overlap is shown. Card insurance that has not been added cannot be treated as reviewed simply because the home policy is there.
Fictional example
The same medical cost, different trip lengths.
Two agreements cover emergency treatment on the days when both apply.
- Travel cover in home insurance
- 45 days
- Separate travel insurance
- 90 days
- The same accepted medical cost
- Paid once
Cover may overlap during the first part of the trip. The longer time limit is still a difference between the agreements.
Common questions
Is the insurance that comes with my card enough?
Card travel cover is often supplementary, rather than a complete travel policy. Read whether medical care and repatriation are included, and check the payment requirement. The product name alone does not answer the question. [3]
Does home insurance apply when studying abroad?
Studying abroad is a different situation from an ordinary holiday. Check specific cover for the study period and do not assume the home policy's usual travel cover applies to the whole stay. [1]
What if my trip is longer than 45 days?
Read how long your travel cover lasts. If it is not long enough, you can extend the cover before the trip or take out separate travel insurance. Contact the insurer before you leave. [1]
Does the travel cover apply to trips within Sweden?
Often only when you stay overnight somewhere else. Konsumenternas mentions requirements of one or two overnight stays, but the terms differ between insurers. Read your own agreement. [1]
Is transport home included if I fall ill or get injured?
Travel cover often includes help with transport home after an injury, but the terms decide what is included. The European Health Insurance Card does not pay for transport home by air ambulance. [1]
MY FORSIO
Start with the policies you already have.
Bring your documents together in My Forsio and see what the information shows. Free for individuals.
Sources and references
Sources checked
This guide explains general principles of Swedish insurance. Your policy schedule and terms set out what applies to you.