Understanding your travel insurance policy documents
What the PDS and policy wording are, why they control your cover, and what to check before you buy.
Written by the Event Escapes team. Last reviewed 28 August 2026.
A comparison shows you the headline cover, but the insurer’s documents are what actually govern your policy. Before you buy, it is worth knowing which document is which and what to look for. They are linked on every plan.
The Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
The PDS is the main document. It sets out exactly what the plan covers, the benefit limits, the excess, the conditions and the exclusions. If the summary and the PDS ever seem to disagree, the PDS is what counts.
The product information document
Many plans also provide a short product information document that summarises the key features and exclusions on a page or two. It is a useful quick read, but it does not replace the full PDS and policy wording.
The policy wording
The policy wording is the detailed terms and conditions. It defines terms like pre existing condition and covered reason, and it is where the fine detail of what is and is not covered lives.
Why the documents come first
A comparison is a summary to help you shortlist. The insurer’s documents govern the contract and take precedence over any summary, including ours. That is why we link them on every plan and ask you to read them before you buy.
What to check before you buy
Check the medical and cancellation limits, the excess you would pay on a claim, any pre existing condition terms, the activities covered, the covered reasons for cancellation, and the exclusions. If anything is unclear, the documents are the place to confirm it, not the summary.
FAQs
What is a PDS?+
A Product Disclosure Statement is the insurer’s main document. It sets out exactly what a plan covers, the limits, the excess and the exclusions, and it governs your policy. Read it before you buy.
Where do I find the policy documents?+
They are linked on each plan in the comparison. Open the plan details to find the product information and policy documents for that insurer before you decide.
Comparison information only. Event Escapes is not an insurer and does not provide personal financial advice. This guide is general information, not a recommendation. Cover, limits and exclusions vary by plan and by your country of residence and destination. Always read the insurer’s policy documents before you buy.