While travelling or going away on holiday, it’s unfortunate that sometimes things can go wrong. You may have an accident or fall ill; you could have your personal items stolen; you holiday could be cut short by an illness or injury, in which case your family may have to fly out to your destination to assist you. We always recommend that Travel Insurance cover is purchased before you go away, don’t’ travel without it!
A lot of time you will find that some travel agents and tour operators insist that you have travel insurance; otherwise they will not let you travel.
You are under no obligation to book your insurance with the travel agent or tour operator. Since January 2009 the sales of travel insurance is now regulated and must be purchased from a company that is authorised by the Financial Services Authority.
You should take your time to examine other options from a number of different sources and remember that when buying such a policy to ensure that adequate legal expense is provided.
Many policies that are available form tour operators and travel agents will NOT fund legal expenses for claims against a tour operator if your holiday goes wrong.
Know what your policy will cover!
Make sure to let the insurance company knows of any conditions or circumstances which could prevent you from travelling or curtail cover when you really need it. If any medical conditions arise after you have purchased your travel insurance then inform the insurance
company before you travel.
If you have declared a condition to the insurance company, make sure you have in writing the insurance companies acceptance for your cover, ideally before you go on holiday.
While away if you plan to partake in any dangerous sports, then make sure it is included in your insurance policy. If it is not, you will need to obtain separate cover for this!
When you travel take your policy and 24 hour emergency contact number with you.
Familiarise yourself with the contact/assistance protocols, these details will be found in the insurance documentation.If you need to use your policy, keep as much paperwork as you can, for example, tickets, medical bills, police reports, and receipts. This will help you to prove what you have had to pay for.
HolidayTravelWatch has provided a check-list of what you need to look out for when buying travel insurance.
- Are you engaging in dangerous sports, does your policy cover this? If not you may need to get out a different specialist policy
- Are you covered for personal liability? Are you covered if you cause injury or damage to others and their property?
- Medical cover in Europe should provide a minimum of £1m worth of cover or, £2m for all other destinations. This must include cover for, hospitalisation and repatriation and emergency medical treatment
- In the unfortunate event that you have to cancel your trip, the cancellation cover should start as soon as you make your booking; do not wait until the start of your holiday to get travel insurance – get covered at the moment you book your holiday!
- If you get into a dispute with your insurer, familiarise yourself with the complaints procedure in your policy document and take action. If for some reason the insurer refuses to resolve the matter or you still continue to have problems with your insurer, then contact the Financial Services Ombudsman to further your complaint.
- Have a look around for travel insurance, the cost of insurance varies depending on where you look. So, take time to look around to get the best policy for you
- Remember to take care of your possessions or your policy will NOT cover you, you must also comply with any reporting requirements
- Does the policy provide a 24 hour emergency service and assistance if things go wrong?
- Make sure that your policy covers you for your entire holiday
- Make sure you declare anything that you think may affect your policy cover. Be honest, tell your insurer about all pre existing conditions, include others within your travelling party – advise them of any conditions that have developed since you purchased the insurance to the time you go on holiday
- Make sure you know what your policy covers and check that your particular cover is adequate. If in doubt ask your insurer
- If things do go wrong will it allow you to sue the travel agent, tour operator, airline, shipping company or hotel?
- Are you a regular traveller? Have you considered taking out an annual multi trip insurance, this will save you time money and effort
- Credit card accident cover, home insurance or private health cover may not provide full cover protection. Check before you travel and buy additional cover if needed
- Do you have possessions cover which includes your money or documents to specified limits?
- Covered for personal accident where money will be paid on death or permanent disability
- Does your particular policy contain legal expenses cover? This is important as it will help to pursue compensation for any damages following personal injury or the failing of your travel arrangements
- Most policies don’t cover drink or drug related incidents
- If you fail to DECLARE, this may invalidate your policy
If any of these travel insurance issues have affected you, then contact HolidayTravelWatch Today!
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