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. Money Supermarket 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. |
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