Tips on Travel Insurance

This article offers a simple, yet informative guide on all you need to know about travel insurance before hopping onto your next flight!

This article will guide you through everything there is to know about travel insurance, ensuring that you're up to date and insured for your next trip abroad.

Why do you need it?

Travel insurance is a very important part of travelling, as it covers the high costs of emergency health and medical treatments abroad and guarantees a safe return home without extra costs. It is important to bear in mind that if something happens to you while abroad that involves medical treatment, the nearest embassy will not pay these costs. This is why it is vital that you are insured to avoid a very steep bill at the end of your trip.

What does it cover?

The typical travel insurance package should include all medical treatment costs, ranging between ambulance fees to hospital charges.

If you are unable to return home on your original flight or organised transport due to an injury, the insurance company is responsible for paying any extra expense to ensure a safe journey back home at a later date.

Any additional transport or accommodation expenses for a close friend or relative to stay with you or escort you back home are covered.

Emergency dental treatment for relief of immediate pain whilst abroad should be included in your insurance package.

A 24-hour assistance help-line is usually available as part of a regular travel insurance plan.

Which insurance plan is the right one for you?

There are many options when choosing your travel insurance, so make sure you have done your research before committing to a company. Here are some factors to take into account when picking the right Insurance for you...

How often do you travel?

Consider yourself a bit of a jet-setter? Then the annual multi-trip policy is probably the one to go for. If instead you're one to splash out on one holiday a year, then the single-trip policy will be more cost effective (and is also a popular package for those with medical conditions).

How long are you travelling for?

If you're going to be abroad for a substantial period of time and the annual multi-trip policy has caught your eye and seems like a good one to go for, make sure you double check the terms and conditions, as many annual packages have a limit on the number of days you are covered in a year.

It may be wise to have a look into the gap year or backpacker policies if you're lucky enough to be away for months at a time!

What is your location... and destination?

Are you looking to go long-haul? Shop around online for a worldwide policy that covers you no matter where you're going! Depending on your travel plans, it may be better to invest in a single-trip policy if you are heading to only one destination that's further-afield.

Pay attention if you're heading down the road less travelled... be sure to check the relevant travel advice page of the country you are visiting, as some areas of the world are not covered by regular insurance if the FCO (Foreign Commonwealth Office) advises against visiting...

What's in your bag?

It is important to evaluate the limits and excesses of your travel insurance policy in relation to the value of your possessions you're taking with you on your trip. If you are thinking of taking that new camera with you, or you need to bring your laptop on your travels, perhaps a specialist gadget insurance policy may be worth investing in, as they typically provide a higher cover.

Either way, all insurance policies request that you take good care of personal belongings at all times, and failure to do so could result in a policy not paying out. In other words, be responsible and look after your stuff!

How many people in your party?

Not a solo-traveller, and heading abroad with a group of friends? If you are travelling with a big number of people, it may be a good idea to have a look at what family or group packages are available to lower the cost.

Last but not least, we'll leave you with a few important things to bear in mind before you set off...

1. Cancellation cover - check that the cancellation cover limits are on par with the complete cost of your trip. If your travel arrangements are significantly delayed or cancelled, an insurance package allows you to claim extra travel and accommodation costs that you'd be unable to recover without it.

2. You may be insured already - have a look to see if your bank account or credit card company is already providing your travel insurance.

3. Prepare before you fly - make sure that your insurance is arranged before you begin your travels. If you fail to organise your insurance before your departure, a waiting period may be applied to your policy that can prevent you from making a claim immediately.

4. Don't get too tipsy - the majority of travel insurance policies exclude cover when events have happened after excessive alcohol consumption.

5. Cruises - if you're heading out to sea, check you have made all the necessary insurance arrangements, as more often than not cruises require additional cover due to higher costs of getting travellers to a nearby hospital for treatment.

6. Terrorist acts - at a minimum, be certain that your chosen policy covers you for emergency medical expenses and repatriation in the event of a terrorist attack.

7. EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance - the EHIC card gives you access to state-provided healthcare in the European Economic Area or Switzerland, but will not cover any private medical costs, like mountain rescue in ski resorts.

8. Thrill-seekers watch out - many winter sports and other more extreme sports that you may be planning on taking part in are not usually included in standard travel insurance policies. Activities such as bungee-jumping, jet skiing, skydiving and quad biking will require a top-up cover or a specialist policy, so double check you're covered before speeding off into the sunet on the back of that dude's jet ski!

We hope this article has answered any doubts or questions you may have had about choosing your travel insurance. All that's left to say now is stay safe and enjoy your travels!