Why is travel insurance important?

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is important as it protects a person from unexpected bills that may cause problems on holiday. Events that are beyond your control can cause difficulties with your holiday plans and could leave you seriously out of pocket. Medical costs alone may amounts to beyond your reach when you’re abroad.

I like to give you an idea that medical treatment for a stomach bug in the USA and flights back to the UK could cost as much as £100,000 and if you do not have travel insurance, you’d have to cover those costs yourself. The right travel insurance policy can give you peace of mind that you’re protected while away necessitating you for medical treatment, repatriation, holiday cancellation and lost or stolen baggage and more.

What does travel insurance cover?

What’s typically covered by travel insurance?

Lost baggage – In case your baggage and belongings are lost, stolen or damaged during your trip, loss of baggage cover will allow you to claim for their full or partial value.

Cancellation cover – Cancellation cover offers cover in case you need to cancel your travel plans at the last minute due to any unexpected events like injury or illness, or perhaps a bereavement.

Medical expenses – In case you’re injured or fall ill while you’re away.

Emergency repatriation – In case you or a family member are injured or fall seriously ill while abroad, an emergency repatriation is necessary at that time so it  can cover the costs of bringing you home.

Travel disruption – In case there is bad weather, strikes or a breakdown which disrupt your flight or ferry, for example, you can claim for delays that have affected your trip.

What’s typically not covered by travel insurance?

Changing your mind – You will not be compensated if you decide to cancel simply because you no longer want to go on holiday. Holiday cancellation insurance will only cover for such situations beyond your control that are specified in your policy – for example, illness or bereavement.

Missed flight – You travel insurance won’t be covered if for your fault you have missed the flight. For example, you oversleep or don’t leave enough time to get through security.

Pre-existing medical conditions – you might need a specialist policy for a pre-existing medical condition because it doesn't provide offer for this cover in a standard policy.

Accidents under the influence – Most travel insurance policies will not pay out if you have an accident or you have negligence while you’re under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Extreme sports – It is essential to check which sporting activities your holiday insurance cover as you may need a specialist policy for those sports which are riskier.

Natural disasters – If there is supposed to be a natural disaster announced and you still choose to book a holiday, you won’t be covered by your policy.

When do I need travel insurance?

Whenever you book a trip away -whether you’re planning a short break to paris or are backpacking around the world, travel insurance is a must to ensure you’re protected from any unexpected mishaps while you’re travelling. Ideally, you are advised to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. And thus you’re covered if you need to cancel before setting off. This is especially essential when you have already paid for flights, accommodation and any pre-booked activities.

How to get cheaper travel insurance?

Here are some of the most vital things you can consider when looking for cheaper travel insurance:

Compare quotes: Shop around to see how different policies and prices are there.Compare before you check out. Consider features that are important to you, what is included as standard and what is missing and what you may need to pay extra for.

Choose the right life insurance policy type: Choose the right policy type-Suppose you are only taking one holiday, a single trip policy can be cheaper and viable. If you travel often during the year, a multi-trip annual policy can offer you better value. When you are travelling with your friends or family, a group or family travel insurance could prove cheaper than individual policies.

Get the right cover for your trip: You are advised to make sure that you have the right cover for the type of trip you’re taking considering your destination and the activities you’ll be doing. It is not that cheapest is always the best, especially if you need extra cover for winter sports or tailored insurance for a cruise.

Only pay for what you need: There is no point buying add-ons that you do not need. For example, if you’re not taking valuable gadgets with you, why would you buy extra cover for them?

Customers with pre-existing medical conditions:

It is important to have a medical cover when you are travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes or cancer. You at times need healthcare while you’re away and the costs of paying for it out of your own pocket could be burdensome. Not all insurance providers will offer cover for pre-existing conditions as standard, so you are advised to need a specialist policy. 

We help make your search easier and comfortable: If you declare medical conditions on our website, we will instantly offer quotes from trusted insurance providers who cover all declared medical conditions, with no exceptions. You are advised to remember that it is vital that you give the insurance provider an honest, authentic information about any medical conditions that you have - failing of  which you risk invalidating your policy.

Upgrade your holiday travel insurance options

While you’re away and your personal needs demand you extras, you are advised to add extras to your travel insurance quote:

Travel gadget insurance – Travel gadget insurance covers loss, theft or damage of devices like phones, tablets and gaming handhelds. Check exactly what is covered before you buy to avoid frustration while on travel.

Terrorism cover – Terrorism cover offers such cover if you have to cancel or cut short your trip because the act of a terrorist is committed within a set distance of where you’re staying.

Natural disaster cover – Natural disaster cover offers such a cover for your trip affected by a natural disaster, like volcanic ash, earthquakes, floods or hurricanes.

Travel connection delays – Travel connection delays cover in case you miss a connecting flight or ferry, for example, because your original transport was delayed.

Travel disruption – Travel disruption can offer extended cover if the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) changes its travel advice, or if strikes or industrial action mean your transport is cancelled unexpectedly.

Extreme sports – Extreme sports cover if you are planning on paragliding, ballooning, skiing or taking part in water sports. In this situation you may need additional cover.

Wedding cover – Wedding cover covers for your wedding dress, rings and gifts that you need for your wedding.

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