Protections Travel Insurance
Protections Travel Insurance is a travel insurance for the BE market with online purchase and 24/7 assistance.
Direct payment
The insurer can advance guaranteed costs to the doctor or hospital abroad upon request. Costs below EUR 150 are never advanced. Reimbursement occurs after deduction of social security reimbursements; Touring pays the net balance after health fund intervention, on presentation of their statement and photocopies of original invoices.
Geographic scope
BE
Worldwide (excluding country of residence). Europe variant covers EU countries plus Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Vatican, Switzerland, Montenegro, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Russian Federation (up to 60° East), Iceland, North Macedonia, Moldova, Norway, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Israel, excluding the insured's country of residence.
Starting from
€3
Unique selling points
- Unlimited medical expense coverage abroad (after social security deduction) for VIP and annual policies — well above the typical EUR 5,000 ceiling of mutuality/credit-card policies.
- 24/7 emergency assistance helpline (+32 2 286 31 47) operated by Touring NV with on-site doctor dispatch capability for medical incidents abroad.
- Adventure and winter sports covered automatically when organised by a recognised professional body — no separate add-on required for activities such as deep-sea diving, alpinism, paragliding and off-road driving.
- Annual policy covers all trips during the year (up to 95 consecutive days per trip, extendable) including a studentenjob or post-study travel period — one single policy for unlimited travel occasions.
- Pre-existing stable conditions covered under the 01/07/2023 T&Cs if confirmed as stable by the treating physician at departure — broader than the standard blanket exclusion applied by many competitors.
Coverage limits
Medical expenses abroad (unlimited)
Covered
Reimbursement of medical, surgical and pharmaceutical costs incurred abroad due to unexpected illness or accident. The policy covers unlimited medical costs (net of social security reimbursements). A EUR 25 deductible per insured per claim applies. For the Standard tier, coverage is up to EUR 125,000; for VIP or annual policy, it is unlimited.
SourceEmergency medical treatment abroad
Covered
Touring intervenes up to EUR 1,000,000 per insured for the entire coverage period for surgical and hospitalisation costs, emergency dental care (up to EUR 250 per claim), terminal or serious chronic illnesses (first manifestation only), and related costs. Deductible: EUR 25 per insured per claim.
SourceHospitalisation costs abroad
Covered
Surgical and hospitalisation costs are covered up to EUR 1,000,000 per insured per coverage period (Editie 01/07/2023 T&Cs). Additionally, a daily hospitalisation compensation of EUR 50 per night (up to EUR 600) is paid if hospitalisation lasts at least 3 nights. Deductible EUR 25 per claim per insured.
SourceOutpatient medical treatment abroad
Covered
Outpatient medical costs (without hospitalisation) are covered within the overall medical expenses limit of EUR 1,000,000 per insured. For ambulatory costs above EUR 250 per insured, a medical report must be submitted to Touring's advisory physician. Deductible EUR 25 per claim.
SourceEmergency dental care abroad
Covered
Emergency dental costs due to accident are reimbursed up to EUR 500; urgent dental care due to an acute crisis is covered up to EUR 250 per insured per claim. Prostheses are not covered. No repatriation is granted for dental reasons alone.
SourceMedical transport (local and repatriation)
Covered
Local transport costs (ambulance if medically required) to the nearest doctor or hospital are covered. Touring organises and covers repatriation transport by ambulance, train, helicopter, scheduled flight, charter or hospital aircraft as determined by Touring's doctor. Transport of insured companions is also included. Unlimited repatriation coverage.
SourceMedical evacuation
Covered
When hospitalised abroad due to accident or serious illness and medical repatriation is justified by Touring's doctor, Touring organises and funds evacuation from the foreign hospitalisation site to the insured's residence or a nearby hospital. Touring reserves the right to choose mode and timing within 72 hours of hospital discharge.
SourceRepatriation of mortal remains
Covered
Touring organises and funds the repatriation of mortal remains from the foreign hospital or funeral parlour to the family-designated location in the country of residence, including embalming costs and administrative formalities abroad. Coffin costs are covered up to EUR 785 (Editie 01/07/2023 T&Cs) or EUR 1,500 (AV 2022) per insured. If buried or cremated abroad, up to EUR 1,500 is covered for coffin/urn, local transport, cremation/burial, urn repatriation, and one return ticket for a 2nd-degree family member.
SourceSearch and rescue costs
Covered
Search and rescue costs by official emergency services abroad are covered up to EUR 12,500 per insured (per the 2022 T&Cs) or EUR 5,000 for all insureds together (per the 01/07/2023 T&Cs). Coverage requires prior agreement from the insurer. Mountain search/rescue costs are subject to the ski coverage limits under art. 1.22 (01/07/2023 T&Cs).
SourceCOVID-19 treatment
Excluded
The policy explicitly excludes events related to epidemics, pandemics, quarantine and lockdown among its general exclusions. However, the insured retains coverage for up to 14 days if surprised by such events during a trip already underway. COVID-19 is not a specifically covered peril.
SourcePre-existing conditions
Conditional
Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded. However, they are covered if: (1) there is medical evidence that an external cause produced a sudden change in the illness picture, (2) there is no causal link between the pre-existing condition and the claim, or (3) for cancellation: the treating physician confirms no contraindication to travel at the time of booking and contract conclusion. For the 01/07/2023 T&Cs, a pre-existing illness is covered if it is stable at departure (no change in treatment, no hospitalisation, no worsening, and no medical contraindication confirmed by a doctor's report).
SourceWinter sports coverage
Covered
Cross-country skiing, alpine skiing and snowboarding on designated pistes are always covered. Off-piste skiing and snowrafting are covered if organised and supervised by a professional recognised organisation. Ski pass and lessons refund up to EUR 250 (AV 2022) or EUR 200 per insured per stay (01/07/2023 T&Cs) if unable to ski due to illness or accident. Broken ski/snowboard covered up to EUR 250 per insured. Mountain search and rescue covered up to EUR 5,000 for all insureds (01/07/2023 T&Cs). Bobsleigh, ski jumping, combat sports and hunting remain excluded at all times.
SourceAdventure sports coverage
Conditional
When organised and supervised by a professional recognised organisation, the following are covered: deep-sea diving with autonomous breathing apparatus up to 18 metres, alpinism, canyoning, speleology, bungee jumping, white water and sea rafting, hydrospeed, off-road driving (4x4, enduro, quad), motorcycling >50cc, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, ULM, hang-gliding, parachuting, paragliding and gliding. Always excluded: sports practised professionally, for remuneration or in competition; bobsleigh, ski jumping, combat sports and hunting.
SourcePregnancy complications
Conditional
Pregnancy is not considered an illness. Complications or problems during pregnancy up to week 28 may be covered for travel assistance purposes if arising unexpectedly. From 28 weeks of pregnancy, the policy explicitly excludes related events. For cancellation, serious unexpected complications during pregnancy are a covered event. Voluntary termination of pregnancy is excluded.
SourcePersonal liability abroad
Covered
Covers the insured worldwide up to EUR 125,000 against civil liability consequences for bodily injury and/or material damage caused to third parties during the insured trip. Material damage caused by fire, explosion, smoke or water to temporary accommodation premises is also covered, after exhaustion of existing home/family insurance. Deductible: EUR 125 per claim per insured.
SourceLegal assistance (traffic accidents abroad)
Covered
If the insured is prosecuted abroad following a traffic accident, the insurer covers attorney fees up to EUR 1,250 (AV 2022) or EUR 2,500 per file (01/07/2023 T&Cs). Criminal bail is advanced up to EUR 12,500 (AV 2022) or EUR 25,000 (01/07/2023 T&Cs). Legal consequences in the country of residence are not covered.
Source24/7 emergency assistance helpline
Covered
Round-the-clock assistance is available via the Touring NV helpline at +32 2 286 31 47 (24h/7 days). In other (non-emergency) cases, the Protections customer service is reachable on weekdays 9-17h at +32 2 463 50 00 or via claims@protections.be.
SourceKey conditions
Assistance call deadline
In emergencies abroad, the insured must contact Touring (+32 2 286 31 47, 24h/7) as a priority. Touring and/or the agent must be notified within 24 hours of a claim event, except in cases of force majeure. All costs and assistance services are only reimbursable if previously authorised by Touring or the agent.
Unauthorized treatment
Costs and assistance services not requested from or organised/authorised by Touring give no right to any reimbursement. If the insured refuses or delays a medically approved repatriation, cost coverage lapses from the moment of Touring doctor's approval. Failure to comply with obligations allows the insurer to reduce the indemnity by the amount of the prejudice suffered.
Purchase while abroad
Already-started trips cannot be insured. The travel assistance policy must be taken out at the latest on the day before departure and must cover the entire duration of the trip from the day of departure from the place of residence to the day of return. For the annual policy, coverage for other warranties begins at 0:00 on the departure date and ends at 24:00 on the return date as stated in the confirmation document.
Chronic conditions
Acute or chronic use of drugs, alcohol or substances not prescribed by a doctor constitutes a general exclusion. For travel assistance, existing chronic diseases are generally excluded unless an external cause produced a sudden change in the disease picture, or there is no causal link with the claim. For cancellation, chronic serious diseases are covered if there was no medical contraindication to travel at the time of booking and contract conclusion.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not considered an illness. Pregnancy complications are excluded from travel assistance from 28 weeks of pregnancy onwards. For cancellation, serious unexpected pregnancy complications are a covered event. Trips planned in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy where the pregnancy was unknown at booking may be covered for cancellation. Voluntary termination of pregnancy is always excluded.
pre_existing_conditions
Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from travel assistance. Exceptions apply when an external cause produced a sudden change in the illness picture, or when there is no causal link with the claim. Under the 01/07/2023 T&Cs, a pre-existing illness is covered if stable at departure (no change in para-medical treatment, no hospitalisation, no worsening, and no medical contraindication per a doctor's report). For cancellation, pre-existing conditions are covered if the treating physician confirms no contraindication to travel at booking and contract conclusion.
coverage_duration_limit
For temporary policies (single-trip): maximum 30 days coverage. For annual policies: maximum 95 consecutive days per trip, extendable by additional 30-day periods upon payment of extra premium, up to a maximum of 1 year total. If the insured must extend their stay for medical reasons, or if the validity period is exceeded due to unforeseen travel delay, the insurance remains in force without extra premium until the first possible return, maximum 31 days.
Documents
Protections Algemene Voorwaarden 2022 (NL)
terms_and_conditions
Algemene voorwaarden Waarborg Reisbijstand - Editie 01/07/2023 (NL)
terms_and_conditions
IPID Jaarlijkse reisbijstandsverzekering Protections (NL)
ipid
IPID Kortlopende reisbijstandsverzekering Protections (NL)
ipid
Protections Algemene Voorwaarden Gemeenschappelijke bepalingen (NL)
terms_and_conditions
Policy specifics
Medical expenses abroad
Reimbursement of medical and hospitalization costs incurred abroad, with specific limits depending on product variant
Repatriation and emergency return
Coverage for emergency repatriation to Belgium in case of serious illness, injury, or death while traveling abroad
Baggage loss and damage
Coverage for loss, theft, or damage to baggage during travel, including contents
24/7 assistance services
Round-the-clock helpline and coordination services for medical emergencies, administrative help, and other travel-related issues
Exclusions for dangerous sports
Specific sports activities are excluded from coverage, including deep-sea diving, mountaineering, skydiving, and other high-risk activities
Early return/early termination
Coverage for early return to Belgium due to serious illness or death of family member at home
Deductible per claim
Standard deductible of €25 per insured person and per claim applies across medical and baggage coverage
Geographical scope
Coverage applies worldwide (except country of residence) for annual contracts; temporal limits for single-trip contracts
Contract duration
Annual contracts (1 year) with automatic tacit renewal unless cancelled; single-trip contracts for specific journeys
Definition of illness
Illness defined as sudden and unforeseen impairment of health, properly diagnosed by physician, requiring serious medical care preventing trip execution
Intoxication exclusion
Coverage is excluded when need for assistance arose while insured was in state of intoxication, alcohol or substance abuse
Criminal activity exclusion
No coverage for damage resulting from participation in criminal acts or attacks
Waiting period for new insured persons
30-day waiting period before coverage becomes effective when adding new insured persons to existing contract