Millions of people a year head for over seas holidays, and 1 in 7 of them without suitable insurance protection. While it may seem silly 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 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) SARS 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 has advised against travel.
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