Better Safe Than Sorry |
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Better Safe Than Sorry |
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Better
Safe than Sorry Reports
by Norwich Union and financial comparison site, Money Supermarket both
conclude that a large number of Britons go on holiday abroad, without
taking out holiday insurance; putting themselves at unnecessary risk. Moneysupermarket.com
puts the figure at around 10% of travellers who deliberately do not
purchase travel insurance, whilst Norwich Union suggests that the figure
could be as high as one in four. Their report also highlights the
increase in popularity of city breaks as a contributory factor, with
many holiday-makers being apparently unwilling to take out travel
insurance for a short trip. However, 14% say that they simply forgot to
do it. The introduction of the European Health Insurance Card seems also
to have thrown a confusing element into the mix; the card entitles the
holder to state-provided medical treatment in the European Economic
Community, as well as Switzerland, but does not extend its cover to
travel-related problems, such as loss of baggage or flight
cancellations. Moneysupermarket.com’s
findings go further and reveal that the age-group that neglect travel
insurance is those travellers in their twenties. Men in general have
been found to be the sex least likely to bother. Richard
Mason, the Director of Finance at moneysupermarket.com said: “With the
prospect of spending a few day in the sun, it appears travel insurance
is the last thing on the mind of some Brits. While holiday-makers might
think nothing will happen to them while they are away, travel insurance
is vital for claiming on cancellations, lost cash, public liability and
providing emergency medical treatment. It gives you added peace of mind
should anything go wrong.” There
are two main types of travel insurance policy: Annual Multi-trip Travel
Insurance and Single Trip Travel Insurance. Annual
insurance covers all trips made during an annual period for a one-off
fee. There will be a set number of travel days, usually between 30 and
60. Winter sports can be included on this policy, normally for a
determined number of days; it is worth checking that equipment is
covered and the actual sports covered under this umbrella term. Look out
for deals that cover a broad spectrum of activities as standard, Go Travel
Insurance for instance covers a wide range of activities in their
standard backpackers travel insurance Single
trip insurance is a fee charged to cover any accidents on a designated
trip. Within
these policies, different brokers offer different incentives and
benefits, so it is worth shopping around. The AA travel
insurance policies, for example, offer things like cover for
business travel, medical expenses covered up to £10,000,000, wedding
cover and emergency assistance at any time of day at any time of year. The
Halifax offers, amongst other incentives, World Explorer Travel
Insurance for travellers who may be gone for away at a time and a 10%
discount when buying online. Once
you have decided upon the policy that is best for you, it is important
to get the best from your travel insurance. Two of the biggest reasons
for travel insurance claims being rejected are failure to read the small
print and disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions. Others are not
taking care of your personal property whilst on holiday, failure to
obtain a police report after an incident such as a robbery and failure
to contact the relevant 24-hour assistance company after obtaining
medical treatment abroad. A
travel insurance policy should be given as much thought as the
holiday destination; choose it with care and it will care
for you. |
