Towarzystwo Ubezpieczen Wzajemnych TUW
TUW "TUW"
TUW "TUW" is a travel insurance for the Poland market with no online purchase and 24/7 assistance.
Direct payment
The insurer (via Centrum operacyjne) organises and pays for authorised medical services directly. The insured must contact the 24/7 Assistance Centre before using any medical services (except pharmacy in emergencies) to obtain a guarantee of cost coverage. If prior contact was not possible for reasons beyond the insured's control, costs may be reimbursed after the fact on submission of documentation within 7 days of the event.
Geographic scope
Europe and Mediterranean basin countries (Zone A) or worldwide (Zone B), excluding Poland and country of permanent residence
Zone A: European countries and all Mediterranean basin countries including Canary Islands, excluding Poland and insured's country of residence. Zone B: all countries worldwide, excluding insured's country of residence. Coverage may be restricted for countries under MSZ/WHO travel advisories.
Unique selling points
- Medical expenses coverage up to 1,000,000 PLN in the VIP tier — the highest limit in the product line, substantially above the minimum required for Schengen visas.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation of remains are explicitly unlimited (bez limitu), not capped by the insured sum — regardless of actual transport costs.
- Search and rescue costs covered up to 100,000 PLN — a dedicated limit four times higher than the previous product version, providing meaningful protection for mountain and water activities.
- COVID-19 treatment and doctor-ordered testing are included within the standard medical expenses coverage at no extra premium, across all four tiers.
- Mutual insurance society structure: TUW TUW is a non-profit mutual, meaning policyholders are members and surplus profits may be returned to members rather than external shareholders.
Coverage limits
Medical treatment costs
Covered
Covers costs of emergency medical treatment arising from sudden illness, accident, or exacerbation/complication of pre-existing chronic diseases during travel abroad. Includes hospitalisation, outpatient treatment, necessary surgical procedures, diagnostic tests ordered by the treating physician, prescribed medications and dressings, emergency dental treatment (up to 1,000 PLN), pregnancy-related treatment up to 32nd week (up to 10,000 PLN, max 2 visits), COVID-19 treatment and doctor-ordered test, and 2 telemedicine consultations. MINI: 100,000 PLN; STANDARD: 200,000 PLN; KOMPLEKS: 400,000 PLN; VIP: 1,000,000 PLN. Sum is per person, per insured event.
Emergency medical treatment (hospitalisation and outpatient)
Covered
Covered at 100% of the medical expenses insured sum (KL) across all tiers. Includes hospitalisation, outpatient treatment, urgent and emergency surgical operations, and doctor-ordered diagnostic tests within the overall medical expenses limit. MINI: 100,000 PLN; STANDARD: 200,000 PLN; KOMPLEKS: 400,000 PLN; VIP: 1,000,000 PLN.
Hospitalisation costs
Covered
Covered at 100% of the medical expenses insured sum across all tiers. Hospitalisation is defined as an uninterrupted hospital stay exceeding 24 hours, related to treatment of conditions resulting from sudden illness or accident that cannot be treated on an outpatient basis. MINI: 100,000 PLN; STANDARD: 200,000 PLN; KOMPLEKS: 400,000 PLN; VIP: 1,000,000 PLN.
Outpatient treatment costs
Covered
Covered at 100% of the medical expenses insured sum across all tiers. Outpatient treatment is defined as treatment in a medical facility following sudden illness or accident, lasting less than 24 hours. Includes doctor visits and medically necessary diagnostic tests. MINI: 100,000 PLN; STANDARD: 200,000 PLN; KOMPLEKS: 400,000 PLN; VIP: 1,000,000 PLN.
Emergency dental treatment
Covered
Covered up to 1,000 PLN across all tiers as a sub-limit within the medical expenses sum insured. Covers dental treatment in cases of acute inflammatory or pain conditions, or where the need results from an accident covered by the policy. Routine dental treatment not requiring immediate necessary medical assistance is excluded.
Medical transport costs
Covered
Covered at 100% of the medical expenses insured sum (KL) across all tiers as part of the assistance component. Includes: transport from the location of the accident/illness to the nearest appropriate medical facility; transport between hospitals; transport to another hospital if the current one cannot provide adequate care; transport from the medical facility back to the insured's accommodation after treatment when the treating physician advises against using own or public transport. Also covers use of a decompression chamber in medically justified cases. MINI: 100,000 PLN; STANDARD: 200,000 PLN; KOMPLEKS: 400,000 PLN; VIP: 1,000,000 PLN.
Medical evacuation / repatriation to country of residence
Covered
Transport of the insured to their country of residence (or to a medical facility in their country of residence) is explicitly stated as without limit (bez limitu) across all tiers, as an exception to the general medical expenses sum insured cap. Organised and funded by the insurer via Centrum operacyjne after authorisation by the insurer's physician in agreement with the treating doctor. Transport method adapted to the insured's health condition. If the insured refuses repatriation, further coverage for that event ceases.
Repatriation of mortal remains
Covered
Transport of the insured's mortal remains to the place of burial in their country of residence is explicitly stated as without limit (bez limitu) across all tiers, as an exception to the general medical expenses sum insured cap. In addition, the insurer covers the cost of a transport coffin up to 4,000 PLN. In case of cremation at the place of the insured event, the insurer covers cremation costs and transport of ashes to the place of burial in Poland up to the amount that would have been incurred for transport of remains. Funeral costs are also covered up to 2,000 PLN.
Search and rescue costs
Covered
Covers costs of searching for the insured (in mountains, on land and water) conducted by specialised units, plus costs of emergency medical assistance (rescue) from the moment of finding the insured until transport to the nearest medical facility. Covered up to 100,000 PLN in aggregate for search and rescue costs across all tiers.
COVID-19 treatment costs
Covered
Covered at 100% of the medical expenses insured sum across all tiers as a sub-component of medical expenses. Covers costs of treatment of COVID-19 illness and costs of a COVID-19 test, provided the test was ordered by a physician seen by the insured and the insured holds a document confirming the test result. Excluded: prophylactic (unsolicited) COVID-19 tests, quarantine/isolation costs, transport costs to Poland where return was prevented by border closures or flight bans imposed by public authorities, and transport not ordered by a physician. MINI: 100,000 PLN; STANDARD: 200,000 PLN; KOMPLEKS: 400,000 PLN; VIP: 1,000,000 PLN.
Pre-existing chronic disease complications
Conditional
Acute exacerbations and complications of pre-existing chronic diseases (diagnosed before the insurance contract was concluded) are covered within the medical expenses sum insured across all tiers, provided the condition manifests as a sudden intensification of symptoms requiring immediate medical assistance. Primary/routine treatment of chronic diseases is not covered. Cancer is treated as a chronic disease. MINI: 100,000 PLN; STANDARD: 200,000 PLN; KOMPLEKS: 400,000 PLN; VIP: 1,000,000 PLN. Note: if the insured knew of contraindications to travel before purchase, claims may be denied.
Winter sports extension
Optional
Base coverage excludes accidents and illnesses arising from winter sports activities. An optional extension is available for an additional premium, covering medical costs and assistance for winter sports incidents (skiing, snowboarding on marked slopes, ice skating, etc. per the OWU definition of 'sporty zimowe'). When activated, also includes: refund of unused ski pass up to 600 PLN; refund of unused ski equipment rental up to 600 PLN. Medical expenses limit follows the selected tier: MINI: 100,000 PLN; STANDARD: 200,000 PLN; KOMPLEKS: 400,000 PLN; VIP: 1,000,000 PLN.
Extreme/adventure sports extension
Optional
Base coverage explicitly excludes extreme/adventure sports. An optional extension is available for an additional premium. Extreme sports covered under the extension include an extensive list defined in WU-44.02 §2 pt.78: abseiling, ballooning, bouldering, baseball, long-distance running, orienteering, horse riding, downhill mountain biking, flyboard, American football, free skiing, free snowboarding, acrobatic gymnastics, heliboarding, heliskiing, hydrospeed, underwater hockey, quad biking, motor racing on closed tracks, mountain biking, snow parks, mountain kayaking, kitesurfing, road cycling, cricket, athletics, longboard skateboarding, hang gliding, archery, motocross, paragliding, motorised hang-gliding, hunting, scuba diving >30m, parasailing, yacht sailing >20 nautical miles, polo, weightlifting, rafting, historical re-enactments, rugby, bungee jumping, ski jumping, skydiving, speedway, spelunking, fencing, gliding, speedrover, cliff/platform diving, martial arts, sport shooting, technical trekking (>5500m), triathlon, wakeboarding, rowing, indoor climbing, ice climbing, high-altitude mountaineering (>5500m), expeditions to extreme environments. Physical labour extension is also available separately.
Pregnancy-related treatment costs
Conditional
Covered up to 10,000 PLN in aggregate (maximum 2 medical visits) across all tiers, as a sub-limit within the medical expenses sum insured. Coverage applies only up to the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy. Childbirth and treatment after the 32nd week of pregnancy are excluded. At-risk pregnancies (noted in maternity card) may affect coverage eligibility.
Personal liability (civil liability in private life)
Conditional
Covers civil liability (tort) of the insured during travel for personal injury and property damage caused to third parties in connection with activities in private life, where the insured is legally obligated to pay compensation under the law of the country of stay. Property damage liability is capped at 50% of the guarantee sum. A deductible (franszyza redukcyjna) of 600 PLN applies to each property damage claim. Not available in MINI tier. STANDARD: 200,000 PLN; KOMPLEKS: 300,000 PLN; VIP: 500,000 PLN. The guarantee sum is shared across all events in the policy period.
Legal assistance
Covered
If the insured comes into conflict with local law, the insurer provides assistance in hiring a lawyer and reimburses court and legal service costs up to 1,000 PLN, across all tiers as part of the assistance component. The insured has the right to freely choose their own lawyer or attorney. Protection does not apply if the legal problem is connected with professional activity, vehicle operation/storage, criminal acts, political activity, smuggling, drugs, alcohol, or weapons.
24/7 Assistance services
Covered
Comprehensive 24/7 assistance services are included in all tiers as part of the KL+Assistance combined coverage. Services include: 24/7 telephone helpline in Polish; telephone medical consultation with insurer's physician; English-language interpreter assistance for medical matters; transport of accompanying family members (up to 400 PLN/day/person, max 7 days); childcare for accompanying minors (up to 400 PLN/day, max 3 days if carer organises; max 7 days if insurer organises); family member/nominated person visit during hospitalisation >7 days (transport + hotel up to 400 PLN/day, max 7 days); continuation of travel after recovery; extension of insurance coverage by up to 48 hours in case of delayed return; message forwarding; bail bond facilitation (up to 10,000 PLN); emergency cash assistance after robbery/extortion (up to 1,000 PLN); lost document assistance; psychologist consultation after rescue operation (1 session); funeral cost assistance (up to 2,000 PLN); transport coffin (up to 4,000 PLN); home appliance emergency repair (up to 1,000 PLN aggregate). Remaining assistance benefits covered up to the medical expenses sum insured. MINI: 100,000 PLN; STANDARD: 200,000 PLN; KOMPLEKS: 400,000 PLN; VIP: 1,000,000 PLN (for benefits within SU KL); unlimited for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
Key conditions
Assistance call deadline
The insured must contact the 24/7 Assistance Centre (Centrum operacyjne) by telephone or email before taking any independent action, whenever medical assistance, transport, or other covered assistance services are required. If prior contact was impossible due to force majeure or a random event (both must be documented), the insurer must be notified within 7 days of the event. Failure to contact the insurer through wilful intent or gross negligence may result in a proportional reduction of benefits if it contributed to an increase in the loss or prevented the insurer from establishing the circumstances and consequences of the insured event.
Unauthorized treatment
If the insured obtains medical treatment without prior authorisation from the Assistance Centre, and this was due to their own fault or gross negligence, the insurer may reduce the benefit proportionally if the omission contributed to an increase in the loss or prevented investigation of the claim. If the insured sought reimbursement after returning to their country of residence, they must submit a completed claim form, medical diagnosis, proof of treatment costs, and all supporting documentation to the insurer after returning home.
Purchase while abroad
If the insurance contract is concluded while the insured is already outside their country of residence, the insurer's liability commences at the earliest 3 days after the day following the conclusion of the insurance contract (waiting/grace period), subject to payment of the premium. This grace period does not apply when renewing (continuing) an existing contract, provided the extension is concluded before the expiry of the current insurance period.
Chronic conditions
Acute exacerbations and complications of chronic diseases (diagnosed before the contract was concluded) are covered within the medical expenses sum insured. Routine or primary treatment of chronic diseases is not covered. Cancer is classified as a chronic disease. The insured's knowledge of medical contraindications to travel at the time of contracting will be considered when evaluating claims.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related treatment is covered up to 10,000 PLN (maximum 2 medical visits) within the medical expenses insured sum, applicable only up to the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy. Childbirth and treatment costs after the 32nd week are excluded. At-risk pregnancies (recorded in the maternity card) affect coverage classification. Complications of non-at-risk pregnancy (covering at least 1 week of hospitalisation or premature birth, if the insured was at most in the 8th week of pregnancy at the time of contracting) are covered under the trip cancellation option when that extension is purchased.
Pre-existing condition exclusions
Pre-existing conditions diagnosed before the insurance contract was concluded are covered only in the form of acute exacerbations and complications (sudden intensification of symptoms requiring immediate medical assistance). The insurer does not cover costs related to continuation of treatment of previously diagnosed conditions or consequences of accidents that occurred before contracting. If the insured knew of indications for surgery or in-patient treatment before travel, related costs are excluded. Costs related to illnesses where medical contraindications to travel existed (known to the insured) are not covered.
Coverage duration limit
Insurance contracts are concluded for a period of no less than 1 day and no more than 364 days. Coverage under medical expenses, assistance, accident consequences, personal liability, and baggage commences upon crossing the border of Poland or the insured's country of residence on departure (but not earlier than the date stated in the insurance document) and ends upon re-crossing that border on return, but no later than the last day of the insurance period. If the insured's return is delayed by specified causes (transport breakdown, weather-related cancellation, natural events), coverage is automatically extended free of charge for up to 48 hours.
Policy specifics
Medical treatment costs during travel
Coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and ambulatory care during foreign travel in cases of sudden illness or complications of chronic diseases
Medical transport costs
Coverage for medical transport from the place of accident or illness to the nearest medical facility, transport between hospitals, and return transport to place of accommodation after medical care
24/7 assistance services
Professional comprehensive assistance during urgent situations in foreign travel, including 24-hour telephone duty, medical assistance, language support, and extension of coverage by 48 hours in case of delayed return
Baggage and luggage coverage
Coverage for loss, damage, or delay of luggage; includes damage to personal items and sports equipment transported as baggage
Civil liability coverage
Coverage for personal liability for damage to third parties (property damage and personal injury) that the insured is legally obligated to repair according to the laws of the country of stay
Accident consequences coverage
Financial support in case of body injury resulting from an accident (e.g., broken bone, dislocated shoulder), including disability or death benefits
Trip cancellation option
Optional coverage for trip cancellation costs (ticket and accommodation refunds), coverage of shortened participation costs due to unforeseen events, and extension of coverage for extreme sports
Extreme sports extension
Base coverage does not include extreme sports; optional extension available for additional premium covering winter sports and extreme sports activities as defined in WU-44.02 §2 pt.78. When the winter sports extension is activated, it additionally includes refund of unused ski pass (up to 600 PLN) and unused ski equipment rental (up to 600 PLN).
Mandatory Assistance Center notification
Insured must contact the 24-hour Assistance Center before visiting any medical facility (except pharmacies in emergencies) to receive authorized medical assistance and ensure coverage
Territorial scope of coverage
Insurance covers travel within Europe and Mediterranean basin countries or worldwide depending on selected travel zone, excluding Poland and the country of permanent residence
Product variant tiers
Insurance available in four variants: MINI, STANDARD, KOMPLEKS, and VIP with varying coverage limits and sum insured amounts; highest variant (VIP) offers medical treatment costs coverage up to 1 million PLN
Chronic disease complications coverage
Coverage includes complications of pre-diagnosed chronic diseases that develop during travel; does not cover primary treatment of chronic conditions
Grace period when purchasing abroad
If travel insurance is purchased while already abroad, coverage does not begin earlier than 3 days after purchase (grace period during which no premium is charged)