Top Travel Insurance Tips
58 million Britons a year head for sunnier overseas holidays, 1 in 7 of them without suitable
insurance protection. While it may seem foolish that people do not take out insurance, market
surveys show that many people believe that their credit card accident cover, home insurance,
or private health cover is sufficient. These products are unlikely to give adequate cover.
To help prevent these problems happening to you and to ensure you concentrate on enjoying your
holiday, use our top tips for travel insurance.
- Hazardous Activity: Many tour operators and local businesses offer activities
such as bungee jumping, scuba diving, horse riding and more. Before you embark on any
hazardous activity check the policy wording, many insurers (although not all) will not
provide such cover on standard policies. For insurers that do provide cover for such
activities, it is unlikely they will cover liability and personal accident, which should be
provided by the company hosting the activity.
In a similar manner, if you play golf on holiday and cause an injury to another player you
are liable for the injury. Most standard insurance policies will not provide such cover.
This is of particular importance in America where legal bills can be astronomical.
- Medical and Legal Bills: If you travel to a global destination (outside the EU)
legal and medical bills become more significant. In the United States and Canada there is a
legal and medical culture with far greater reaching financial implication than in Europe.
If you were to be in a hospital for a length of time, the bill could run into hundreds of
thousands of dollars. Unfortunately with no NHS, you would be expected to pick up the bill.
A standard insurance policy for Europe will provide up to £1 million in medical aid, and £2
million in the US and Canada. If you are staying in the EU, get an E111 form from your local
Post Office; it will entitle you to some free treatment in Europe.
- Cancellation and Curtailment: Cancellation is one of the most popular reasons for
claims against travel insurers. It is vital that you start the policy a few weeks before you
actually depart for your holiday, otherwise a claim would not be possible.
- Thefts, Mugging and Luggage: Unfortunately, the number of attacks on holidaymakers
is on the increase due to the rich pickings available. If you are unfortunate enough to be a
victim of a theft, report it to the police who will be able to provide a statement to show your
insurer when you make the claim.
If you lose your suitcase on route to your destination, or are informed that your cases have
been sent to another airport buy suitable essential replacements. Any decent insurer will allow
you to claim for these items when you return from your holiday.
- Terrorism and World Health: The threat of terrorism is still at the forefront of
traveller's minds. Insurance against terrorism has never really been offered as a product.
After the World Trade Center activity and the Bali bombing insurers are even more careful about
the level of cover they offer and what they will pay out for.
The SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak has caused severe disruption for travellers
and authorities over the globe. If your holiday has been cancelled you should contact your tour
operator or airline for a refund. Insurers will not provide insurance for new customers or
existing policyholder if they travel to a country where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
(FCO) has advised against travel.
For advice on countries not to travel to and for global information prior to travel
visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Top Tips for Buying your Insurance
- Search the Market: Don't let travel companies sell you're their insurance policies.
Recent research by Which? Consumer Magazine has shown that travel agents do tend to offer a poor
deal on insurance. Consumers are also being charged on their UK postcode rather than on their
destination and the type of holiday they are going on.
The Internet allows consumers to search many websites and buy without sales pressure. With the
number of companies offering insurance, the market will be very price diverse, allowing you to
pick up the best deal for your requirements.
- Policy Type: Before you buy a policy consider how many times you are likely to travel
in a year. If you do take more than one holiday a year it is prudent to buy an annual multi-trip
policy. Although the total cost is higher, spread across the number of days you actually spend on
holiday, an annual multi-trip is far cheaper. For example an annual multi-trip policy should also
cover Winter Sports activity as well as your standard holiday.
- Be Honest: If you have a medical history it is important that you tell the insurer.
If you fall ill or die as a result of an existing problem while on holiday you may invalidate your
policy.
- Check Policy Documentation: As highlighted in the point covering hazardous activity, always
check the policy details for aspects like hazardous activity, terrorism, threat of war, medical
issues, and personal liability.
Try the Insurancewide TravelWizard 
|
All of the insurance products and services mentioned on this
page are introduced by Insurancewide.com Services Ltd, which is authorised
and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Insurancewide’s service
is subject to its terms
and conditions |  |
|
|
6 Insurance Rip Offs
