Travel Insurance

The type of travel insurance you need depends on the type of trip you’re taking. There are
various types of cover designed to meet your specific travel needs. Before choosing a policy,
it’s advisable to check what healthcare is on offer in the country you’re travelling to.
Some countries have healthcare agreements with the UK.

Firstly, there are two, fairly self-explanatory, types of travel insurance policy:

Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong when you're away from home.

Having adequate travel insurance could prove vital if you fall ill or get injured during your trip away. Medical costs while abroad can be staggering and could prove a huge financial burden if you don't have sufficient travel insurance. For example, if you need to be flown home to the UK for treatment, it could cost something in the region of £15,000.

Alongside medical expenses, travel insurance can also cover a range of things from lost luggage and personal belongings to cancelled flights. Should the worst happen, travel insurance could help you cover costs and avoid a real holiday nightmare!

 

Most policies will normally include the following as standard, but always check exactly
what you’re covered for.

Medical Expenses:
This is a crucial feature of any travel insurance policy.  If you suffer an accident or illness
during your time away, this cover could help you pay for any medical treatment you
receive. These medical expenses can take several forms:

• Emergency medical treatment or surgery
• Emergency dental care (if to relieve pain)
• The cost of flying you back to the UK
• The travel and accommodation costs of bringing someone to stay with you or
  accompany you home (if deemed medically necessary)

Baggage Cover:
The amount of personal baggage cover you need will depend on the items you’re taking
with you. Most travel insurance providers will offer a set amount of baggage cover and
may have a limitation on the maximum value of any one item. If you plan to take something
of high-value, you may have to insure it separately. Also, check to see if your possessions
are already covered by you home contents insurance.

Cancellation Cover:
It can be hugely disappointing if a trip is cancelled, not to mention the financial losses you
could end up with.  However, cancellation cover is designed to reimburse you should your
travel plans be unexpectedly disputed.

You’ll need to check exactly what your chosen policy covers, but it may include:

• Natural disasters
• Bad weather
• Hi-jacking
• Unexpected strike action

Your cancellation insurance might also provide cover should you need to cancel your holiday
yourself. Policies can often cover cancellation due to:

• Illness or injury
• Death in the family
• Accident en route

Always check the excesses attached to your travel insurance policy. An excess is the amount
of money you would have to pay yourself before your policy would pay out, for example,
the first £200 of any claim.

They may get the adrenaline pumping, but holidays on the slopes can also result
in broken bones. Unfortunately accidents can be common, so adequate travel
insurance is a must.

Winter sports cover is specially designed to meet the insurance needs of winter
sports enthusiasts - ranging from medical expenses to damaged equipment.
Every policy is different; some may cover hired equipment, while others will only
insure items that you own.

Check to see what medical expenses are covered by your policy, for example,
would it pay out for the cost of air-lifting you to hospital? You may even find
you're covered for no snow! Usually offered as an added extra to your standard
policy, this type of cover can also be purchased as a stand-alone policy.

Also known as long stay or gap year insurance, this type of cover is designed for an extended trip
where a regular travel insurance policy might not be sufficient.

Usually available for trips ranging from 3 to 18 months, this type of insurance is perfect for those
taking a gap year abroad or spending several months backpacking.

If you're planning to visit several different countries, make sure you're covered for all of your
planned destinations. Adventure sports may be included in your policy, but it's also possible they'll
need additional insurance. If you're adrenaline junkie...make sure you have all your crazy
pursuits covered!

Family travel insurance:There are family policies available that can cover parents and children together.
If you have a large family, insuring all your children under the one policy could work out to be more cost
effective. Children are normally classed as being under 18 years.

Pre-existing medical conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it's important you are
honest about them with your insurer. If you don't inform them, you could risk invalidating your travel insurance
policy. Your insurance provider will usually consider a health condition as an increased risk of you making a
claim - so could increase the cost of your policy. The provider may choose to exclude your medical condition
from the cover altogether. Be upfront about any health issues and always check the small print to see what
you are covered for.

Over 65s travel insurance: Advancing age can be seen as an increased risk for travel insurance providers.
However, many insurers now offer reasonably price policies that are specially tailored for the more senior
traveller. This specialist travel insurance can often include a greater amount of medical cover which can
give you added peace of mind while you're away.

Business travel insurance: If you travel regularly for business purposes, this is probably the best type
of cover for you (as the name suggests!). Typically, this type of travel insurance is offered as annual cover
- as presumably you'll be taking several work related trips throughout the year. Most business travel policies
will cover work equipment taken on the trip - such laptops. Some policies might also cover you for sending
a replacement colleague on the trip if you're unable to make it

•  Make sure you have ample cancellation insurance to cover the entire cost of your trip.
•  Be honest with your travel insurer. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, make
  sure you inform them of it, as failure to do so may result in an invalid policy.
• If you're going away several times over the course of a year, an annual (multi-trip) policy
  might work out the most cost-effective option.
• If you decide not to book through an agent, you might not be covered ABTA or ATOL.
  If this is the case, ensure your policy protects you against insolvency (in other words,
  if an organisation you're using for your trip goes bust!)
• Take a copy of your policy details with you on your trip, along with any emergency contact
  numbers you might need.
• Check to see if your home contents insurance already covers your items while they're away from home.
• Read all the policy details careful. Make sure you know the excess you would have to pay in
  the event of a claim.
• If you're planning a sporting/adventurous activity (like a bungee jump) check to see if
  it's covered by your policy. You might need additional cover for certain activities.
• Cheapest isn't always best. When you're comparing travel insurance policies, make sure
  you're comparing them by their policy features - as well as how much they cost.
• Look online. There are some good travel insurance deals to be had via the web.
• Keep a record of expensive items you're planning to take with you (such as a digital camera).
  Receipts and a photo of the item are good to have.
• Get yourself an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). This gives you access to state-provided
  healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries.
  
   

Take a browse through our helpful travel insurance articles: