Travel Insurance
If you’re travelling abroad, it’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go.
If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go. If you already have a travel insurance policy, check what cover it provides for coronavirus-related events, including medical treatment and travel disruption, and any planned activities such as adventure sports. If you are choosing a new policy, make sure you check how it covers these issues.
If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds.
You should buy your travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip. Read the small print, and familiarise yourself with any exclusion clauses for the policy.
When you travel, make sure you take your insurance policy details with you, including the policy number and your insurer’s emergency assistance telephone number. Share your policy details with people you’re travelling with and friends or family at home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf.
What to consider when you buy travel insurance for you and your family
- emergency treatment and hospital bills can be expensive. Check whether your policy covers treatment in public or private hospitals
- emergency transport, such as an ambulance, is often charged separately to other medical expenses, and emergency travel home on medical grounds can also be expensive
- pre-existing medical conditions: declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests so that you are covered if anyone gets ill during your trip. Failing to declare something may invalidate your travel insurance
- all activities you may undertake on holiday, such as sports or adventure tourism (you may need specialist insurance for some activities). Also consider all the places you intend to visit, even if you are in transit, in case anyone needs emergency treatment in another country
- cruises generally require an additional level of cover because it is more difficult to get to hospital for treatment.
- repatriation costs if you or a family member die abroad
- getting home after medical treatment if you cannot use your original ticket
- reasonable costs for a family member or friend to stay with you, or travel out to accompany you home, if required
- 24-hour assistance helplines to offer support and advice about appropriate treatment
- COVID 19 cover for if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for COVID during your travel. Check your insurance covers additional costs such as alternative flights, accommodation and COVID tests. You should also check your insurance provides cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to COVID-19
Check if your insurance policy covers:
- alcohol and drugs: most travel insurance policies do not cover events that happen after you have drunk excessive alcohol or taken recreational drugs or other substances
- mental health conditions: some policies may exclude cover for treatment related to a pre-existing mental health condition.
- age restrictions: check whether there are any age-related restrictions if you are buying an annual policy.
- sports such as skiing, winter sports or skydiving: these are not usually included in standard policies. Use of quad bikes is also usually not covered
- driving overseas: check Driving abroad. If you’re hiring a car, check what cover the hire company provides. If you are driving your own vehicle, check your motor insurance policy to see what it covers
- terrorist acts: make sure your policy covers you for emergency medical expenses and travel home if you are caught up in a terrorist attack.
- other incidents: some policies only offer limited cover for claims related to or caused by a natural disaster (such as an earthquake or tropical cyclone) or civil unrest.
Insurance for extended periods of travel
‘Long-stay’ travel insurance can cover extended periods of continuous travel. Check carefully the maximum duration allowed in any policy you consider buying to ensure that it meets your needs.
Make sure that the entire policy meets your needs, including specific activities and work (paid or unpaid) you may undertake.
** Source: Uk Foreign Travel Insurance