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Introduction to Travel Insurance - It is very unwise to embark of a trip abroad without
some form of Travel Insurance being in force. Cheap travel insurance policies are
available from a wide number of sources and are relatively inexpensive. Most
travel insurance and expensive policies cover a number of sections and the
following are fairly typical of the sections generally on offer:-
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Personal Accident.
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Medical & Emergency
Assistance.
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Hospital benefit.
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Loss of Deposit or
Cancellation
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Cancellation or
Curtailment
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Delayed Departure
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Personal Luggage
Including Money & Valuables
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Delayed Luggage
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Missed Departure
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Loss of Passport
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Personal Liability
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Legal Expenses
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Ski Cover
cheap
travel insurance policy does not cover failure of your tour operator. If you
book your holiday via an ABTA member, they will have been required to take out
a bond to protect your money in the event of their financial failure.
Medical Expenses Cover - In this country, we tend to take health care and
the National Health for granted, however, medical care is not available free
of charge in all other countries and it is vitally important that you at least
take out a Travel policy covering Medical Expenses. In the
United States of America in particular, medical care is very expensive and you
may find hospitals unwilling to treat you unless you can prove that you have
some form of insurance protection being in force. In Europe, you can
obtain a
form E111 from the post office, which will provide you with certain
covers but not all. It should certainly not be considered a substitute for a
policy. Try to purchase a policy with a 24-hour medical
emergency help line facility. You will be glad of this in an emergency, as
these companies are able to liaise with medical facilities on your behalf. The
last thing you will want to do in the time of illness is have to negotiate
with a hospital over fees. Most polices will also cover medical repatriation
cover if you need to be flown home.
Cancellation & Curtailment - You should consider effecting Travel
cover as soon as you have booked your holiday, the cancellation and
curtailment section, will come in to immediate effect and will provide a
benefit if you are forced to cancel your policy and are unable to obtain
return of your deposits.
The period of Cover - In the United Kingdom, your policy cover will start
from the moment that your depart the United Kingdom, until the time that you
return. Most Travel cover companies are very reluctant to issue any form
of cover for you once you left the country so remember to take out cover
before you leave. Similarly speaking they usually do not like to issue
cover if you do not intend to return to the United Kingdom.
Types of Policy - travel Policies normally fall in to two Groups:-
As well as the
above, certain insurers produce policies to be marketed to various different
groups. It is possible to purchase a “ Backpackers policy”, a Ski Policy, an
“18-25”, a “Business Traveler” policy etc, it really depends on your personal
needs and circumstances. Short period polices tend to be issued for
period up to 30 days with the possibility of adding additional weeks to the
contract up to the insurers maximum.
Introduction |
Money Saving Tips |
Information Required |
What is Covered |
Protect Belongings |
FAQ |
Glossary
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