Travel Insurance

If you have any kind of problem while abroad, whether it is a medical emergency, an accident where you damage someone elses property, or have some of your belongings stolen, it can cost a fortune to sort it out. For example, an air ambulance from the East coast of the USA could cost you the thick end of fifty thousand pounds. However, if you have a travel insurance policy, then you do not need to worry about the threat of a financial emergency whilst abroad.

Many people fail to take out travel insurance cover in the mistaken belief that their other insurance policies, such as health insurance or life insurance, will offer them sufficient cover abroad, when in fact this is rarely the case. A typical travel insurance policy should offer:

Emergency medical expenses cover, which includes emergency medical costs and an airlift back to the UK for further treatment if necessary

A twenty four hour emergency helpline, manned 365 days a year

Liability insurance, in case you accidentally damage property belonging to someone else

Insurance against the loss or theft of your belongings

Cancellation and curtailment insurance, in case your holiday plans go awry for whatever reason

Other things that it might cover include personal accident cover, legal expenses insurance, and financial protection against the likelihood of your airline going bankrupt before or during your holiday.

However, it is extremely rare for travel insurance policies to pay out on claims arising from drink or drug abuse.

Also, if you have not taken sensible precautions against the damaging or theft of your belongings, then the insurer may not be willing to pay for replacements, so it can pay to be careful even if you are insured.

The best way to get a good deal on your travel insurance is to shop around online to find the right insurance at the right price. Avoid getting the cheapest insurance if it does not provide you with all the cover that you require, as this could turn out to be a false economy should anything go wrong on holiday.

If you are making more than one trip per year, you might want to consider taking out an annual travel insurance policy, rather than a separate policy for every trip. Not only will this save you the hassle of having to sort out travel insurance every time you leave the country, but it can also save you a lot of money as well.