Everyone knows that no matter where your destination, travel insurance should be the first thing you pack when heading on holiday. However, with all the policies out there, it can sometimes be confusing to know exactly what you need when buying insurance.
Emergency medical and repatriation costs are a must with any policy. While the majority of holidaymakers enjoy their long-awaited trip abroad without incident, if something does go wrong travel insurance medical policies can provide invaluable help in a time of need. In an emergency money should be the last thing on your mind; not only do travel insurance policies cover medical costs in an emergency, they also pay for you to fly back to the UK if necessary.
Furthermore, those travellers that are worried about going abroad with a pre-existing medical condition can get cover for this. It is important to seek out a policy that will cover any treatment that could become necessary when on holiday due to a pre-existing illness to ensure you're not caught short.
Cancellation cover is another great feature of many policies, which is particularly important for travellers who have shelled out a lot of money for a top-notch holiday.
One aspect that all Brits should look for from their travel insurance is access to English speaking medical experts. Trying to access medical help in a foreign country can be difficult and daunting, but with 24-hour English speaking experts to hand, travellers can get all the help and support they need.
When picking a travel insurance policy, it is important to take into consideration what type of trip you are embarking upon. Different policies are available for different types of trip such as wedding or golfing, while a range of diverse activities also have various types of cover, that can often be added on top of a standard policy.
Showing posts with label travel insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel insurance. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Driving Holiday Checklist: Five Checks You Need to Make
Heading abroad in your own car can be an incredibly effective way of seeing the sights. Not having to rely on public transport while you’re away can open up the opportunity to see and experience more of the country in question than you could have otherwise hoped for.
That said, taking your own transport comes with its own issues. If a train or bus breaks down while you’re away then it’s a minor inconvenience -- but if your own vehicle takes a turn for a worse then it could become a major headache working out how to get it back home again. To avoid such issues it’s an idea to double check a number of things before you set off.
Tyre Depth/Pressure
If you’re going to be putting in some major mileage during the weeks that you’re away then you owe it to yourself to check that your tyres are up to scratch. Grab a tread depth checking tool to ensure that the tread on your tyres is well within the legal limit -- and refer to your vehicle’s handbook to check that they’re inflated to optimum levels.
Oil and Water
Both of these might be something you generally take for granted but it’s vital that you check the levels of both before you set off -- and several times while you’re away. If you’re unsure of where your levels should be, don’t take any chances. Consult a professional at your local garage to give the all clear before you leave.
Local Laws
Remember that things like the speed limit or maximum legal blood alcohol limit may differ in your destination country than in the UK. Ignorance of local laws won’t be a good enough excuse if you get caught breaking the law, so read up well in advance.
Insurance details
Does your car insurance policy cover you in the country you’ll be driving in? If you’re not sure, get on the phone to your provider and find out. It may be that you have to pay extra to get covered while you’re away -- if so, don’t be tempted to skip it and save some cash. It really isn’t worth the risk.
Breakdown Blues
Similarly, your breakdown cover won’t necessarily stretch to the country you’ll be visiting -- although some providers will happily cover you in Europe, for instance. Check with the company you have cover with and extend your cover to the country in question if needs be.
That said, taking your own transport comes with its own issues. If a train or bus breaks down while you’re away then it’s a minor inconvenience -- but if your own vehicle takes a turn for a worse then it could become a major headache working out how to get it back home again. To avoid such issues it’s an idea to double check a number of things before you set off.
Tyre Depth/Pressure
If you’re going to be putting in some major mileage during the weeks that you’re away then you owe it to yourself to check that your tyres are up to scratch. Grab a tread depth checking tool to ensure that the tread on your tyres is well within the legal limit -- and refer to your vehicle’s handbook to check that they’re inflated to optimum levels.
Oil and Water
Both of these might be something you generally take for granted but it’s vital that you check the levels of both before you set off -- and several times while you’re away. If you’re unsure of where your levels should be, don’t take any chances. Consult a professional at your local garage to give the all clear before you leave.
Local Laws
Remember that things like the speed limit or maximum legal blood alcohol limit may differ in your destination country than in the UK. Ignorance of local laws won’t be a good enough excuse if you get caught breaking the law, so read up well in advance.
Insurance details
Does your car insurance policy cover you in the country you’ll be driving in? If you’re not sure, get on the phone to your provider and find out. It may be that you have to pay extra to get covered while you’re away -- if so, don’t be tempted to skip it and save some cash. It really isn’t worth the risk.
Breakdown Blues
Similarly, your breakdown cover won’t necessarily stretch to the country you’ll be visiting -- although some providers will happily cover you in Europe, for instance. Check with the company you have cover with and extend your cover to the country in question if needs be.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Student Travel Insurance: What to Consider When Buying
As a student heading out to see the world, you quickly realize there are many reasons you need a flexible travel insurance policy that can cover many of the contingencies you may face while out on the road. If you are travelling for research with graduate programs online or travelling with a student group, it is important for you to be covered in an emergency.
Not only do you need adequate health coverage, but you will want to consider covering personal property so you can replace your valuables if they lost or stolen. You can even purchase a travel insurance policy that will refund your money if your trip is cancelled or you miss connections and find yourself stranded.
Existing Health Insurance Coverage
If you have existing health insurance, review it carefully to see what it does and does not cover when you travel abroad. Some policies are only good in the country of origin, while others offer limited coverage while you are traveling.
The more expensive health insurance plans often cover you when you travel but require main office approval to authorize treatment. You also need to check for provisions covering such extreme conditions as quarantines or emergency evacuations. In such situations, even if you are in good health you could be facing challenging circumstances where the right kind of coverage would make rescue services available.
Carefully go through the list of exclusions in an existing health insurance policy to see if there are stipulations about covering accidents while intoxicated or that prohibit participation in certain sports. Consider if you will have the resources on hand to pay the current deductible amount or if you should arrange to have it decreased in exchange for paying higher premiums while you are traveling.
Travel-Only Health Insurance Coverage
If you are traveling abroad through your college or university, they might have requirements regarding the type of health insurance needed to participate in their program. Consult with the student health insurance office since they typically offer flexible, low cost plans that can be tailor-made to suit the regions you will be visiting.
If your travel is not directly related to your school, or if your classes are online, you will want to find an independent insurance travel agent that offers health insurance packages that can be set for the specific dates and locations where you will be traveling. These policies can be piggybacked on existing health insurance plans to provide extended coverage only for those contingencies not covered by your primary carrier. Group contracts are awarded to insurance companies who specialize in international travel and extend to leisure activities that may be associated with a group trip.
Check the insurance policy to see if they offer assistance finding medical care in other countries. You may want to confirm that they will reimburse you for medical expenses like prescriptions so you have the option to pay cash up front.
Another factor to consider is pre-existing conditions caused by injury, illness or disease since most policies automatically exclude coverage. You have to sign a pre-existing condition waiver and purchase that part of the coverage in a lump sum before you leave.
Other Travel Insurance Policies
Along with the mandatory student travel health insurance, look into coverage for such nightmare scenarios as losing your passport and identification or having your luggage stolen in transit. You can also obtain travel insurance that will refund your money if your trip is cancelled or you have to return early because of an emergency at home.
Ideally, student travel insurance should be broad enough to cover all contingencies so you can seek and receive medical help, have lost or stolen valuables replaced, and have resources available in case your travel plans abruptly change, but you shouldn’t have to pay outrageous prices for most plans and can often get a student discount. Looking on online forums and insurance review sites can also help you look for highly recommended insurance options available.
Not only do you need adequate health coverage, but you will want to consider covering personal property so you can replace your valuables if they lost or stolen. You can even purchase a travel insurance policy that will refund your money if your trip is cancelled or you miss connections and find yourself stranded.
Existing Health Insurance Coverage
If you have existing health insurance, review it carefully to see what it does and does not cover when you travel abroad. Some policies are only good in the country of origin, while others offer limited coverage while you are traveling.
The more expensive health insurance plans often cover you when you travel but require main office approval to authorize treatment. You also need to check for provisions covering such extreme conditions as quarantines or emergency evacuations. In such situations, even if you are in good health you could be facing challenging circumstances where the right kind of coverage would make rescue services available.
Carefully go through the list of exclusions in an existing health insurance policy to see if there are stipulations about covering accidents while intoxicated or that prohibit participation in certain sports. Consider if you will have the resources on hand to pay the current deductible amount or if you should arrange to have it decreased in exchange for paying higher premiums while you are traveling.
Travel-Only Health Insurance Coverage
If you are traveling abroad through your college or university, they might have requirements regarding the type of health insurance needed to participate in their program. Consult with the student health insurance office since they typically offer flexible, low cost plans that can be tailor-made to suit the regions you will be visiting.
If your travel is not directly related to your school, or if your classes are online, you will want to find an independent insurance travel agent that offers health insurance packages that can be set for the specific dates and locations where you will be traveling. These policies can be piggybacked on existing health insurance plans to provide extended coverage only for those contingencies not covered by your primary carrier. Group contracts are awarded to insurance companies who specialize in international travel and extend to leisure activities that may be associated with a group trip.
Check the insurance policy to see if they offer assistance finding medical care in other countries. You may want to confirm that they will reimburse you for medical expenses like prescriptions so you have the option to pay cash up front.
Another factor to consider is pre-existing conditions caused by injury, illness or disease since most policies automatically exclude coverage. You have to sign a pre-existing condition waiver and purchase that part of the coverage in a lump sum before you leave.
Other Travel Insurance Policies
Along with the mandatory student travel health insurance, look into coverage for such nightmare scenarios as losing your passport and identification or having your luggage stolen in transit. You can also obtain travel insurance that will refund your money if your trip is cancelled or you have to return early because of an emergency at home.
Ideally, student travel insurance should be broad enough to cover all contingencies so you can seek and receive medical help, have lost or stolen valuables replaced, and have resources available in case your travel plans abruptly change, but you shouldn’t have to pay outrageous prices for most plans and can often get a student discount. Looking on online forums and insurance review sites can also help you look for highly recommended insurance options available.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Does My Breakdown Cover Policy Cover Me in Europe?
To do true justice to many of Europe’s more scenic and rural holiday destinations, either taking your own car (and thereby being all but bound to the consequences and limitations of travelling by ferry) or alternatively taking up the option to hire a car upon arrival at your destination is all but essential if you are to get the maximum enjoyment out of your trip. I would suggest that it is all but impossible to fully enjoy all the stunning natural beauty of some of the greatest European holiday destinations such as for example Tuscany, The Greek Islands, Ireland etc. without the freedom to drive off and explore these brilliant places and their unspoilt natural scenery without having a car at your disposal.
But what happens if the worst comes to the worst and you have a breakdown or mechanical fault with your vehicle? If you are based living in the UK, does your current breakdown cover policy cover you for travel overseas and in Europe? Are there any limitations to the length of period of which you are covered in such territories? Such factors are key things to consider if you are planning on using your own car or hiring a car in Europe. If in doubt, it is highly recommended that you take the time to study your existing policy documents or contact your insurer directly to establish the limitations and terms of your breakdown cover.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Why Getting Organised For Your Holiday Will Save You Money
With a long-awaited holiday on the horizon, it’s easy to let your excitement get the better of you. There are certain holiday essentials that can easily get overlooked as you get swept up in thoughts of lazy days on the beach or culture-filled walks around the city, so be sure to make yourself a checklist before you go.
While booking flights and accommodation will be the first things on your mind, you should also put some time into researching the best possible deal for travel insurance. Not all policies are the same, so don’t make the mistake of simply going with the cheapest option. Be sure that your chosen policy covers all angles – if you’re going skiing or snowboarding, for instance, then you may well need to take out a policy that has specific winter sports cover. Do your research and you won’t go too far wrong.
Something else you should sort out well in advance of your trip away is travel money – it’s easy to pay over the odds for your travel money so look around for your best options before you go. Bowling up at the airport and changing your money on the day you fly is a sure fire way to pay the maximum as currency exchange companies based in an airport know that they have a captive audience. Search out your cheapest options online before you go to get the best deal.
For similar reasons, you should always pre-book your airport parking if you’re going to be leaving a vehicle there while you’re away. Search online for the different available options for the relevant airport and get it booked as early as you can to ensure you get a good price. If you turn up on the day and pay there and then, you’ll undoubtedly be paying more than you need to.
If you’re planning to hire a car in your destination country then once again it pays to book it online before you go. Prices will be significantly cheaper if you’re booking via the company’s website rather than turning up on the day, so seek out your best deal using the internet in the lead-up to your holiday. Similarly, booking activities such as attraction tickets before you go can often be a good idea as these are often available at a discount online if you buy in advance.
While booking flights and accommodation will be the first things on your mind, you should also put some time into researching the best possible deal for travel insurance. Not all policies are the same, so don’t make the mistake of simply going with the cheapest option. Be sure that your chosen policy covers all angles – if you’re going skiing or snowboarding, for instance, then you may well need to take out a policy that has specific winter sports cover. Do your research and you won’t go too far wrong.
For similar reasons, you should always pre-book your airport parking if you’re going to be leaving a vehicle there while you’re away. Search online for the different available options for the relevant airport and get it booked as early as you can to ensure you get a good price. If you turn up on the day and pay there and then, you’ll undoubtedly be paying more than you need to.
If you’re planning to hire a car in your destination country then once again it pays to book it online before you go. Prices will be significantly cheaper if you’re booking via the company’s website rather than turning up on the day, so seek out your best deal using the internet in the lead-up to your holiday. Similarly, booking activities such as attraction tickets before you go can often be a good idea as these are often available at a discount online if you buy in advance.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Key Things to Plan for Your Holiday in Europe
So your flights are booked, the hotel reservation has been made, you are confident you’ve got a fantastically priced deal and you are finally starting to day dream and get excited about your forthcoming summer holiday outing in Europe. It’s natural and extremely easy for people of all ages to get sucked in to all the excitement and hysteria that surrounds a summer vacation, but in order to get the best out of your holiday there are several key things to remember to sort out before you get on the plane and jet off to the summer sunshine.
First of all, regardless of your destination in Europe, one thing you are almost certain to need is local currency to spend on your holiday – regardless of whether you plan to live lavishly or prudently on your visit. While these days it is possible to get currency at the airport and on arrival at the holiday destination you are visiting, it is almost inevitable that exchanging cash in the local bureau de change will leave you a little short when it comes to getting a fair exchange rate. Planning ahead therefore, you should always consider places in which you can get commission free travel money. There are now a number of online venders who offer a commission free service on Euros and other European currencies, and will allow travellers cheques and holiday money delivered to your door at your convenience. Services such as this are quick and convenient – particularly if you are unable to get to the town centre in the days leading up to departure.
Another thing any holidaymaker should never leave home without is travel insurance. While the last thing anyone wants to feel before they set off on their summer holiday is pessimistic, it goes without saying it is always better to be safe than sorry. Curtailments and cancellations are unfortunately things that can affect all of us when we least expect it – and while it may be the last thing you want to think about on a holiday trip you should never get on a flight without already having sufficient medical cover in place for the region to which you are travelling. Travel insurance policies these days are very competitively priced and can be easily sorted out before you travel by booking online – so for the sake of a few quid you can have much greater peace of mind should the worst case scenario occur.
Another thing any holidaymaker should never leave home without is travel insurance. While the last thing anyone wants to feel before they set off on their summer holiday is pessimistic, it goes without saying it is always better to be safe than sorry. Curtailments and cancellations are unfortunately things that can affect all of us when we least expect it – and while it may be the last thing you want to think about on a holiday trip you should never get on a flight without already having sufficient medical cover in place for the region to which you are travelling. Travel insurance policies these days are very competitively priced and can be easily sorted out before you travel by booking online – so for the sake of a few quid you can have much greater peace of mind should the worst case scenario occur.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Ensure You Have Medical Insurance Before You Travel
Whether you are planning a 12 month backpacking trip visiting numerous great destinations around the world or are simply planning a short weekend break in one of the many top cities that Europe has to offer, you should always consider one simple thing before you travel - are you covered in case of a medical emergency? While the potential possibility of being either injured or sick whilst on a holiday break or backpacking excursion is of course the last thing anyone will want to be thinking about in the build up to the big day when you get on that plane and set off on the trip of a lifetime - it is highly advisable that you take the time prior to departing to get suitable travel medical insurance that will cover you for your given destination and also that incorporates cover for the full length of your stay.
When booking travel insurance cover it is also critical to ensure that your policy will also provide adequate cover for all the activities you are likely to undertake during your trip - particularly if you are planning any potentially dangerous activities such as skiing, water sports or bungee jumping. Always study the small print and key points of the policy carefully and take into account any excess you may have to pay in case of having to make a claim. In order to take the hassle out of booking travel insurance, there are now a number of travel medical insurance comparison sites you can use to quickly compare the price of travel insurance policies that offer the cover you may need for your holiday. Policy prices will differ depending on your length of stay and holiday destination but always remember it is better to be safe than sorry.
When booking travel insurance cover it is also critical to ensure that your policy will also provide adequate cover for all the activities you are likely to undertake during your trip - particularly if you are planning any potentially dangerous activities such as skiing, water sports or bungee jumping. Always study the small print and key points of the policy carefully and take into account any excess you may have to pay in case of having to make a claim. In order to take the hassle out of booking travel insurance, there are now a number of travel medical insurance comparison sites you can use to quickly compare the price of travel insurance policies that offer the cover you may need for your holiday. Policy prices will differ depending on your length of stay and holiday destination but always remember it is better to be safe than sorry.
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