When planning for a holiday, only beautiful terms ring in your head like, refreshing, magical, fun and magical; no one likes to think of delays, illness or accidents. In as much as we do not want bad things to happen in our holidays, it is always good to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Though you may never make a claim of your insurance (heaven’s forbid!) you must never travel without one. Here are tips to help you navigate your way to the best deals in the market.
GET SPECIFIC INSURANCE COVER FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING
You need to an analysis the activities that you will engage in during your trip and the duration of time you will spend abroad. The longer the time the more you will pay for the premium. Get a comprehensive medical cover; in some places even consultations may amount to hefty charges!
If you plan on spending a gap year then shop around and compare the prices of policies available for gap year. If you will engage in ‘risky’ activities such as trekking or indulge in manual labor while abroad, read the wording carefully to be sure of exclusions. If you are doing a long term worldwide trip then get travel insurance for backpackers.
The benefits of gap year insurance is that it covers a whole load of countries that you may travel to during that period, so you will not need to arrange for further covers as you travel to other countries.
ALL POLICIES ARE NOT THE SAME
Cheap does not necessarily mean a bargain, there may be major exclusions. Providers usually use different versions of their own policy, so it might not even be costly to upgrade your policy. Approach each policy as a different and unique offer.
AVOID DELAYS
The earlier you pay your premium, the more you will enjoy the benefits. As soon as you book your holiday, do the same with the insurance and in case you get a flight delay or hotel cancellation, you will get full benefits of your cover. Remember, some policies can only pay out if they have been purchased a few weeks before the trip, ensure you know this.
DOES YOUR COVER INCLUDE POSSESSIONS?
Check whether the policy includes portable electronics such as laptops, phones or other gadgets. If not and you are travelling with these items, then check what your home policy covers, it may actually extend a cover for such items.
GET A EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD [EHIC]
If you are travelling to Europe then this card will help you access government medical facilities in case of incidents for free or at a minimal charge. It is offered for free, so no one should trick you into buying one. It applies to European Economic Area Countries and Switzerland.
You still need to get a suitable cover as this card does not cover private treatments, flights if you need to be airlifted for treatment, lost properties or cancelled trips.
EXPLAIN PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
You should declare your present medical situation to your insurer as they are not usually covered. However, some insurers may cover you for extra premium. You also need a letter from your doctor to prove that you are healthy enough to travel.
For more travel tips visit Great British Trips, experts in UK tours and travel.