Travel Insurance vs PMI

Travel Insurance Vs Private Medical Insurance: What Is The Difference?

Following the recent technical notice released by the HM Government of Gibraltar on the End of Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangements with Spain, you might be exploring the need for travel or private medical insurance.

It is not uncommon to get confused between Travel Insurance and Private Medical Insurance (PMI).

It is important to understand the difference between the two products. Our quick guide below will provide you with an introduction to both products.

Travel Insurance

As the name suggests, a travel insurance policy is designed for providing cover for events related to a trip away from home (your country of residence).

Although it will include some medical cover, this is limited to emergency medical and repatriation expenses. Any pre-existing medical conditions are generally not covered, but some insurers do give cover for some of these conditions. The policy wording will provide you with a list of these.

Depending on the level of cover selected, the medical expenses will be limited either financially or in terms of treatment time.

Other elements that may be covered under a Travel Insurance policy are: Cancellation, Curtailment or Disruption of a Trip, Missed Departure and Transport Diversion, Travel Delay Inconvenience Benefit, Alteration of Itinerary, Hospital Inconvenience Benefit, Funeral Expenses, Pet Care, Personal Accident, Baggage and Personal Effects, Money, Documents and Credit/Debit cards, Legal Expenses and Personal Liability and Hijack and Kidnap Benefit. Each of these benefits will also have their own limits.

Optional Cover extensions available can include:

  • Winter Sports Cover

  • Golf Cover

  • Terrorism Disruption

  • Gadget Cover

  • Business Cover

  • One Way Trip Extension

  • Sports/Cycle Equipment

  • Wedding Cover

Where does it cover?

The policy will cover you as soon as you leave your country of residence and travel within your chosen area, Europe and/or Worldwide (excluding USA and Canada).

For example, if you are a Gibraltar resident, this would include a trip from Gibraltar to Spain.




Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Private Medical Insurance is very different to Travel Insurance. Generally, PMI only provides cover for the treatment of new acute medical conditions, so excludes cover for pre-existing medical conditions.

The Medical cover provided under a PMI policy is much wider than emergency medical as you will find under a travel insurance policy. Its benefits will vary by plan, but often include everyday care for In-patient and day-patient treatment and out-patient treatment.

The cover provided by PMI is for 365 days a year, not just when travelling, hence the higher cost of treatment.

Additional optional cover may include:

  • Dental

  • Maternity care

Where does it cover?

The policy will cover you within your chosen area, for example Europe only, or Worldwide (excluding USA and Canada), or Worldwide including USA and Canada. This means that medical treatment can be claimed for either when travelling or whilst in your home country.

To find out or discuss any of the products or topics mentioned in this blog, please get in touch with our team via email at info@capurroinsurance.com or call us on +350 200 40850.

Note: This article has been provided as an informational resource only. Insurance coverage is subject to the specific terms and conditions of the policies issued by the underwriter.