Estonians make the same mistake repeatedly during summer travel

During the summer holiday season, Estonians travel actively to European destinations, but often underestimate travel risks. Relying on the European Health Insurance Card can prove costly, as it does not cover all possible expenses. Heat-related and swimming pool accidents drive an increase in insurance claims during the summer months.

During the summer holiday season, thousands of Estonians travel to popular European holiday destinations, but awareness of travel insurance remains inadequate. One of the most common mistakes is relying solely on the European Health Insurance Card, which is far from a universal solution for covering all possible expenses.

The European Health Insurance Card does guarantee access to public healthcare services in the destination country, but it does not cover private clinic bills, repatriation costs, or many other unforeseen expenses. This means that in the case of serious accidents, travellers may find themselves in a situation where they must pay thousands of euros out of pocket.

During the summer months, insurance claims related to heat-related health problems and accidents near swimming pools and water centres have become increasingly common. High temperatures significantly increase the risk of heat stroke and dehydration, which many travellers do not account for sufficiently.

Experts recommend obtaining separate travel insurance before departure, which covers both medical costs, baggage damage, and trip cancellation fees. The terms and conditions of the insurance policy should be carefully reviewed, as the cover offered varies significantly between different insurers. Particular attention should be paid to active holiday activities, which standard policies often do not cover.

During peak summer season, it is also worth remembering basic precautions: drink sufficient water, avoid prolonged sun exposure during hot parts of the day, and monitor children's activities near water bodies. Proper preparation and appropriate insurance can make a holiday worry-free and protect against unexpected financial setbacks.