Travel Insurance

When you decide to go on vacation, whether it’s a one week break or a once in a life time trip around the world, Travel Insurance is a must for everyone.

It need not cost an “arm and a leg” to get a decent travel insurance policy to cover any exigency that may occur when you are abroad. Travel insurance can cover you for an array of potential problems from major incidents to minor mishaps. It is certainly worthwhile to make sure that you are covered for a variety of reasons.

The majority of tour operators offer travel insurance when you book your holiday with them, but generally most of the time it will work out to be quite expensive than it would if you shopped around and bought it independently.

Another decision you’ll need to make prior to buying a travel insurance policy is whether to buy a single trip policy or an annual policy.

Usually, annual policies have a limit to how many trips it will cover for a year. Policies will vary between Insurance companies where the limits are concerned. The convenience of taking out an annual travel insurance policy can be very beneficial – especially if you are the sort of person who likes to take advantage of late deals!

Medical Cover

When applying for travel insurance, it is important that you are upfront and honest if you have any medical condition. Failure to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions could render your policy null and void. However, there are some travel insurers that may include certain medical conditions.

If you are not sure or the policy does not state any existing medical condition you have, there is usually a telephone number provided by the insurance company that you can call to get advice. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Dangerous Sports

If you know that you are going to be participating in what insurers consider as “dangerous sports”, make sure that any travel insurance policy you choose includes medical cover for any injuries that may arise from your participation. Many insurers will automatically exclude medical cover for this.

Remember, injuries sustained from accidents whilst partaking of dangerous sports could result in weeks of hospitalisation, the possible need for repatriation by air ambulance and so on. This would amount to a very costly sum, so by ensuring you have the correct medical cover for your circumstances is imperative.
 
Travel Delays

Many travel insurance companies will compensate for travel delays, if your departure is delayed for a certain amount of hours (the policy will state the minimum hours and there is usually a limit as to how much can be claimed).

Cancellation & Curtailment

Most travel insurance policies will cover (up to a certain limit) should you need to cancel your holiday due to illness or the death of a close family member.

Cash Cover

There is normally a limit to how much cash (including traveller’s cheques) you will be covered for. This will all depend on which policy you have taken out.

Baggage Cover

Cover (up to specific limits – depending on the policy) can also be obtained to cover loss of any baggage or personal belongings.

Bear in mind, a few pounds spent on a travel insurance policy will give you peace of mind and prevent heartache and financial misery.