Introduction - The following questions are fairly typical of persons requiring Travel or Holiday Insurance. If you have a specific question about a policy that you intend to buy always ref to the insurance company in question. 

What 'destination' should I choose When booking my International Travel Insurance - Most Insurers will divide the world up in to 4 or 5 rating areas, if you are in any doubt as to which area the country you are traveling to falls in to for insurance rating purposes, it is always best to ask the insurer for guidance.

I am worried about the country I am Traveling to. Where can I find further information - You can visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for up-to-date important travel information

What's the maximum length of time I can be covered per trip? - Most insurers offer flexible travel dates to you starting at just a few days all the way to 12 months policies. It is worth remembering that if you buy an annual policy, in all probability, there will be a maximum duration of trip limitation clause. This will usually be 30 days. You can make as many trips per year as you like but insurance will not be provided if any trip is over 30 days. If you intend to stay abroad for longer than this, refer to the insurers and request a policy that has a larger time limit.

Can I extend the period of cover? - Normally speaking if you or anyone travelling with you cannot finish the journey because of death, illness or injury, or there is a delay to the public transport system that cannot be avoided, the insurer will extend your cover for a reasonable amount of time. There is normally no charge for this facility. However, if you are abroad and you just feel like staying longer it is unlikely that you will be able to extend your policy at all.
 

Are business trips included? - It is possible to cover business trips at similar insurance premiums to standard holiday Insurance. Don’t assume that cover will be automatic though, always refer to the insurance company and tell them exactly what you will be doing particularly if you intend to carry out manual labour. All forms of dangerous work are usually excluded.

Can I purchase cover after I have left the United Kingdom - It is not normally possible to purchase cover once you have left the United Kingdom. Most policies will also cover trips starting and finishing in the United Kingdom so it pays to arrange your cover well before you leave.

What is a pre-existing condition warranty? - Any medical conditions that you are aware of whether diagnosed or not will Usually be excluded from your policy. Most insurers operate a medical; help line and if your condition is stable and controlled they may consider offering you cover, but you must advise them, failure to do so will probably lead to an insurance claim not being paid.  Insurers usually also exclude persons wanting to travel for medical; treatment. Certain conditions such as pregnancy or AIDS related illnesses are always excluded.  Self inflicted injuries are also excluded from Policies.

What do I do if I am traveling with valuables? - If you are traveling with valuables you should first check the extent of your policy wording. You may find that the sums insured for valuables are quite low. £150.00-£250.00 per item is not unusual. Items above this value can normally be covered under your Home Insurance policy and it is best to check with your insurer as to the scope of the cover. If you have to take valuables abroad with you, it is best to carry them as hand luggage on any aero plane and make use of any safe facilities on offer at your destination

What should I declare to the insurer when booking my Cover - You should declare all material facts to the insurer. Material facts are things that are likely to effect their assessment of your proposal. With regard to Travel Insurance, all medical conditions should be disclosed along with details of any business being carried out. You should also declare any hazardous activity that you intend to take part in. Remember, if you fail to disclose a material fact to an insurer you may invalidate any subsequent claim submitted.

When should I book my Insurance? - It is a good idea to book your travel insurance as soon as you have made your first deposit. The cancellation & curtailment section of the policy will start at this time. The premium however is usually only calculated on the days of Travel so it should not cost you any extra insurance premium. You may find that you are unable to recover your deposits and if you have a policy in force, you may be able to make a claim from the insurance company

I am not a UK National but I live in the United Kingdom, will I be able to buy Travel Insurance - If you are a non Uk National, it may be possible for you to buy Travel Insurance. Normally speaking, most insurers will have wanted you to live in the United Kingdom for a period in excess of 6 months. Always check with each insurer. If you are accepted, your trip will normally have to begin and end in the United Kingdom.

Will my policy cover me against Terrorism? - Usually the answer to this question is a straight no. However some insurance companies particularly under group schemes are prepared to cover you for passive war & terrorism covers. If you are traveling and are worried about Terrorism always refer to the insurance company and ask if they can extend cover for you.

Will the sums insured be total amounts or per person - The sums insured quoted in the schedule of insurance will be per person not the total per trip.

Will I have to pay the first part of any claim? - Basically yes, each section of your policy will have a policy excess. £50.00 is not untypical of Insurance excess