Holiday insurance
With medical costs rising for Brits abroad, travel insurance (also known as 'holiday insurance') has never been more important. Any accident or illness while overseas can leave you with a serious financial burden unless you come prepared. That's why we have compiled a comprehensive guide to travel insurance. Read on to ensure you're fully prepared before you hit the sea, sand and, of course, the slopes!
Did you know that suffering a hip fracture in the USA could cost you £22,531? Or that a heart attack in Spain will set you back £35,000? While you may consider yourself to be in good health there are always unexpected accidents waiting to happen. It's much better to be safe than sorry.
There are less than 60 countries that have reciprocal healthcare arrangements with the UK and the majority of these are based on emergency procedures. For example, if you needed to go to casualty in Australia (one of the countries that has an arrangement with the UK) you could still end up with a hefty bill - though your treatment may be 'free' your ride in the ambulance would not be. Meanwhile, the USA has NO arrangement with the UK meaning that falling ill 'across the pond' could put you on the fast track to bankruptcy.
However, it's not just about medical expenses. Travel insurance can also cover loss of luggage or other personal belongings such as passports and money, repatriation costs and cancelled or delayed flights. Also, damage that you may cause to third parties is also covered in many cases. With all these potential expenses, it's easy to see why a comprehensive travel insurance policy is highly recommended.
Here are our top tips for finding cheaper travel insurance:
- Buy from an insurance company not a travel agent
- If you’re planning two or more trips abroad in the next twelve months consider taking out annual travel insurance
- Some companies offer discounts if you buy online
- Check what types of policy are available, you could find cheaper travel insurance with a family or couples policy
- Make sure your policy is right for you – for example do you need winter sports cover included?
- If you have personal possessions cover with your home insurance, and you want cheaper travel insurance, it may be possible to adjust this part of your travel policy – but always make sure you have sufficient cover.
- Look out for special offers and promotions
- Don’t assume that a more expensive policy provides better cover. Levels of cover vary greatly, so always check what the policy does and does not cover.
Useful links:
Travel Insurance World, provides cheap, comprehensive European and Worldwide holiday insurance. Book single, multi-trip, backpacker and annual travel insurance securely online. Receive your policy instantly online and by email.
http://www.travelinsuranceworld.co.uk/
Holiday insurance from Holiday Insurance Web offers comprehensive travel protection, with all the benefits customers expect, offering the value they do not. We cover lost or delayed luggage, lost cash, passport and other personal documents, with emergency dental treatment and £5 million medical cover also coming as standard.
http://www.holidayinsuranceweb.com/
With Churchill you can travel knowing that if something does happen then you are covered for medical emergencies, cancellation or loss/theft of personal belongings – and can make a claim that can cover at least some of the costs involved. They offer two types of travel insurance with annual and single trip policies and both come with a host of benefits.
http://www.churchill.com/travel/travel_getquote.htm
Jade Stanley Ltd was launched in September 1999 and has now issued policies to over 500,000 customers and continues to offer first class customer service. They aim to provide instant cover but at the same time provide full details of the policies available and the highest level of customer service.
Atlas Direct offers 24-hour assistance to ensure that even through an emergency you are in safe hands. Whilst their product is up to 60% cheaper than can be found on the market it is not due to a lack of a quality or service. Although travel insurance is not the most stimulating subject, they have tried to make this site both informative and entertaining.
http://www.atlasdirect.net/main.asp
Whether you’re off on a short-hop city break or a global backpacking adventure, Confused.com can find the right travel insurance for you. You can save £££s on annual multi-trip or single trip cover compared with high-street prices. They'll search 35 travel insurance companies to find their best deal for you. Within minutes you could be covered for cancellations, lost baggage, medical treatment and repatriation costs.