In these top tips, Cheapflights guides travellers on how to get the best cover and where and how to ensure they’re protected for everything from lost baggage to tour operator collapses and weather disruptions.
Policies: who, how much and where?
As a starting point, it’s important to know that general travel policies tend to cover the traveller in the event of lost baggage, cancellations and medical care while overseas. Notable insurance policy providers include AA, AXA, Virgin Money Essentials, Holiday Safe, Topnotchcover, Leisurecare, Simple Travel and AnnualTravelInsurance.com, among others. Policies start from as low as around £19 annual for individuals and £30 upward for families. Travel insurance is available for both business and leisure travel.
Unplanned disruptions
Unplanned disruptions such as cancellations caused by bad weather or travel organiser collapse often fall outside general travel insurance. One simple way to insure money back in the event of unplanned disruptions is to book using a credit card. This means money back should any of these events occur. Those booking package holidays or even just flights should also make a point to work with travel companies that are ATOL bonded. ATOL licenses travel companies that have participated in a financial guarantee scheme to ensure customers are reimbursed in the event of a collapse or brought home should the collapse occur during their time abroad.
Single trip vs. annual multi
When it comes to insurance, the rule is generally more means less. In other words, an annual multi-trip insurance policy is going to be cheaper than taking out a single trip insurance policy each time you travel. Policies tend to have different levels of cover, varying in price, but starting as low as a one-off payment of £19 or even less in some cases. They may also specify a time limit for the amount of cover offered. For example, the policy may insure the traveller for up to 60 days or less per trip, depending on the type of policy taken.
Health insurance on the go
UK residents travelling through EU countries holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to medical treatment within state run hospitals in those countries at the same cost as local residents. As such, in cases where treatment would be free for local residents within the destination, it would also be free for the EHIC holder. Additional eligible countries also include Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland. Cards are free for all, including children, and can last up to five years then renewed online. Apply through the EHIC website.
Worldwide medical insurance can either be covered by purchasing a general travel insurance policy or by purchasing separate, international cover. When deciding which to take out, consumers should consider the amount of travel they do and any outstanding health issues in order to determine how much cover they might require.
Winter sports and adventure travel
Ski season is in full swing, so those heading off on a skiing or other adventure type holiday should make sure they’re covered correctly/adequately. Policies insure for everything from injury to lost, misdirected or damaged equipment. However, customers should inspect policies carefully because when it comes to extreme sports like heli-skiing or bungee jumping, some providers may limit the number of times the traveller can indulge in their adrenaline sport of choice. For example, they may cover for two bungee jumps, but not three or they may cover for leisurely skiing, but not a ski race. The cost of winter sports insurance can vary starting from around £20-25 per individual and around £40 upwards for families.
(Image: UggBoy♥UggGirl)
