Your guide to Travel insurance

Travel insurance is an essential purchase for anyone planning to travel abroad. It offers protection against a range of unforeseen circumstances that can occur before or during your trip. Here’s a guide to help UK residents make an informed decision when buying travel insurance.

1. Understand Why You Need Travel Insurance:

• Medical emergencies: Medical treatment abroad can be expensive. Insurance can cover medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency evacuation.
• Trip cancellations or delays: If unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or delay your trip, insurance can cover the associated costs.
• Lost or stolen belongings: Replacing lost or stolen items, particularly passports and electronics, can be pricey.

2. Decide the Type of Cover You Need:

• Single trip policy: Ideal for one-off holidays or trips.
• Annual or multi-trip policy: Best for those travelling multiple times within a year.
• Backpacker or long-stay policy: Tailored for extended trips or gap years.
• Specialised cover: Some policies cater to specific needs like skiing/snowboarding, cruises, or adventure sports.

3. Key Features to Consider:

• Medical cover: Ensure it covers medical treatment, hospital stays, repatriation, and a 24-hour emergency helpline.
• Cancellation and curtailment: This covers costs if you need to cancel or cut short your trip.
• Baggage and personal belongings: Check the limit and if high-value items (like cameras) are covered.
• Personal liability: In case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property.
• Excess: The amount you’ll need to pay towards a claim. A lower excess usually means a higher premium.

4. Look Out for Exclusions:

Insurance policies will have exclusions. Common ones include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: Unless declared and accepted by the insurer.
• High-risk activities: Such as paragliding, unless you buy specific cover.
• Alcohol/drug-related incidents.
• Travel to high-risk destinations: Those with ongoing conflict or advised against by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

5. Declare Pre-existing Medical Conditions:

It’s crucial to declare any pre-existing conditions to ensure you’re fully covered. Some insurers specialise in covering certain conditions, so shop around.

6. Check for Extras:

Some policies offer additional cover like:

• End supplier failure: Covers you if an airline/hotel goes bankrupt.
• Gadget cover: For electronic items like phones and laptops.
• Disruption cover: For volcanic ash or strikes.

7. Read the Policy Wording:

Before purchasing, read the policy wording to understand what’s covered and what’s not. This helps avoid surprises when making a claim.

8. Use Comparison Websites:

Using sites like GoCompare, Compare the Market, MoneySuperMarket or Insure247.co.uk who can help you compare multiple policies at once. However, not all insurers are listed on these sites.

9. Consider an EHIC or GHIC:

If travelling within the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows you to get state healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. However, they are not a replacement for travel insurance.

10. Buy in Advance:

Get your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip. This ensures you’re covered for cancellations from that point onwards.

11. Remember Renewals:

If you opt for an annual policy, set a reminder for its renewal. Always reassess your needs to ensure you’re adequately covered for new trips.

12. Claiming:

Keep all documents, receipts, and reports if you need to claim. Notify your insurer as soon as possible, following their guidelines.

In Conclusion:

Travel insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring you’re protected against the unpredictable. Make an informed choice by assessing your needs, understanding policy features, and shopping around. Safe travels!

FAQs For Comparing Travel Insurance