Buy travel insurance for your holiday

Holiday travel insurance

 

Don't Assume You're Covered Check the Details ...

All travel insurance policies are not the same, so check out the exclusion section before you buy, or before you travel.

For example, it is typical for policies not to cover accidents if under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Others include detention or confiscation of belongings by government officials such as Customs, or contracting diseases.

Reputable insurance companies should tell you if there are any unusual exclusions, but don't rely on this information.

Declare any medical conditions

There can be serious consequences if you do not mention any pre-existing illness, injury, or condition (like high blood pressure or angina). Insurers will not normally pay should a claim be made related to the circumstances or cost that have arisen as a result of such a condition.

Some insurers provide special policies for the terminally ill.

Check out the excess charges

Should you need to make a claim, most standard policies apply an excess charge for each person, and for each section of the policy. As this excess charge may typically range from £35 and £50 it can significantly reduce the value of your claim.

As an alternative you could consider paying a small premium for a policy that does not apply excess charges.

 

Consider an annual travel insurance policy

An annual policy is usually better value if you intend to make regular trips abroad

Standard policies should provide cover for an unlimited number of trips each year, as long as an individual trip does not exceed the maximum number of days (usually between 45-90).

Family cover is also available on an annual basis; check whether individuals are insured if they travel separately, and how many children can be included.

Going abroad for a 3 months +?

Consider international medical insurance if you intend to work or live abroad for longer periods

Although this can work out more expensive than travel insurance, standard holiday insurance (and annual insurance) normally has a maximum limit. With international medical insurance you have the reassurance that you will be covered for primary medical care.

Driving your car abroad?

Your car insurer should give you advice and explain the extent to which your existing policy will cover you abroad. If you want more protection enquire about the options and costs. A green card is usually issued which is proof of your insurance and widely recognised in Europe.

International roadside assistance is also worth considering, and you should contact your existing provider for further details.

As a minimum precaution get a form E111

Rather than risk travelling abroad without insurance collect the free form E111 from any main Post Office. This form means that you can get access to free emergency medical treatment in most European countries. Other countries are also covered and you should check the form for further details.

This cover only normally applies to treatment in public hospitals, and many additional costs are not covered. In most countries you are expected to pay towards the cost of treatment or prescription charges, and additional accommodation, holiday curtailment, and the cost of returning early are not included.