Beneficiary: Person as decided by the insured who will receive the proceeds of an insurance policy upon the death of the insured.

Benefit: The amount paid by an insurance company to a claimant or beneficiary following the insured suffering a covered loss or injury.

Carrier: The insurance company that actually underwrites and issues the insurance policy.

Claim: A request to the insurance company by the insured, to pay for covered losses, delays, injury etc.

Common carrier: Any conveyance for transporting passengers, such as aircraft, bus, ferry, train or taxi. A rental car or private vehicle is not a common carrier.

Coverage period: The length of time the insurance will extend over. Usually the start and end dates match the dates the insured will depart and return tot heir home country.

Emergency evacuation: The event where the insured is transported to the nearest medical facility in the country of residence.

Emergency reunion: The event where the relative or friend of the insured is transported from their home country to the location of the insured during a medical emergency.

Excess: The first amount of a claim which the insurance company will not pay for.

Exclusions: Events not covered by the insurance policy.

Insured: The person (or persons) covered by the insurance policy.

Maximum coverage: The maximum amount of money that the insurance provider will pay for covered expenses. There may be an overall maximum and a maximum per item or incident.

Pre-existing condition: Any injury, illness, or other mental or physical condition or disorder which existed at the time of application for insurance or in a set period before application.

Premium: The amount paid by the insured to purchase the insurance policy. Also known as amount payable.

Repatriation of remains: The event where the body or remains of the insured is returned to the country of residence.

Travel assistance: Assistance services bundled into travel insurance plans, such as toll-free emergency phone numbers and representatives who assist with advice, medical and legal help.

Underwriting: The process by which the insurance company evaluates the likelihood an insured event will occur, determines its likely cost and whether or not the company should assume a risk. This is the basis used to determine whether the company will accept an applicant and offer coverage.