Travel insurance is sold with scary language and long documents, but the practical core is small. Read for three things, and you have covered almost every claim that actually happens to real travellers.
Medical and evacuation cover come first
This is the real reason insurance exists. A hospital bill abroad can be life-changing; an evacuation more so. Read the medical limit and check it clearly covers the country you are visiting.
Cancellation and interruption, but read the triggers
Cancellation cover is only as good as the reasons it pays for. Sickness, a family emergency, a flights issue — these are common. 'Changed my mind' is not. Skim the trigger list before you buy.
Baggage and delay — the marketing trap
This is the coverage people fixate on and the one claims adjusters dispute most. It is worth having in the bundle, but the practical value of medical cover is ten times the practical value of baggage cover.
The three facts that make any policy real
Know the emergency number before you leave, carry the policy document on your phone, and never assume it only covers flights. Insurance follows the traveller, not the ticket.