The State Duma talked about the possibility of travel insurance to save a life

Many travelers perceive travel insurance as a formality necessary only for applying for a visa, but in reality the policy can save tens of thousands of rubles, and in difficult situations it can literally save lives. This was announced on July 14 by Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Budget and Taxes Kaplan Panesh.

According to him, travel insurance is a contract under which the insurance company assumes payment for medical reports abroad, as well as costs related to an accident, loss of luggage or cancellation of a trip. Depending on the chosen program, the policy may cover outpatient and inpatient treatment, dental care, emergency evacuation, body repatriation, and legal support.

"If you break an arm or leg abroad, catch a cold with a high fever, get food poisoning, or have an acute attack of a chronic illness, insurance will cover an ambulance call, hospital stay, medications, and medical examinations," the deputy explained in an interview with TASS.

According to Panes, if the flight is delayed by more than six hours, the insurance will compensate for the cost of meals, and if the flight is delayed by 12 hours, hotel accommodation will also be provided. If the flight was delayed for a day or more, you can count on compensation for the ruined vacation. In addition, the policy covers the cost of lost or damaged baggage if its delivery is delayed by more than 48-72 hours — the amount can reach $300-500.

"If an urgent operation or transportation home on a medical flight is required, the cost can range from 10 to 100 thousand euros. In such cases, insurance really saves both lives and the budget," Panes emphasized.

At the same time, the parliamentarian listed situations when insurance is not valid. These include requests for help under the influence of alcohol or drugs, exacerbation of chronic diseases that were not declared when applying for a policy, as well as cases when a tourist did not contact a representative of the insurance company before starting treatment or did not save all checks and medical statements.

"Also, the policy is not valid in combat zones or in a country where an emergency regime has been declared (unless it is specified in the policy)," he added.

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Dmitry Gorin, Vice President of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (PCT), told the Izvestia News Center at the Equator of the Tourist Season 2026 press conference on July 8 that the Russian tourism market had moved to a calmer dynamic after a period of active growth. The changes are taking place against the background of a decrease in consumer activity, the strengthening of the ruble and time constraints in certain areas.