Straight off you’re getting a gold star for considering travel insurance – many people don’t and they really should! I’ve luckily had to use my own travel insurance only once on a trip but have plenty of experience of mishaps and missing items to know that packing the essentials includes cover for your adventures!
So what should you be thinking about? Here’s five top tips on travel insurance.
1. Cheap isn’t necessarily cheerful
When choosing travel cover there is much more to think about than the cost. A bargain price might look good but most likely will give you the bare minimum return should you actually need to use it. It may save the pennies before the trip but if disaster strikes and you took the ultimate budget cover then you’ll lose a lot more in the long run. Always be wary of excess amounts, the overall cover might be cheap but if you have to pay massive amounts in excess for every claim is it really worth it?
2. There are plenty of fish in the sea
Never just pick the first thing you come across. Make sure you compare policies and their pay out benefits when things go wrong. How long before they pay out for lost luggage? Are missed connection flights covered? It may take a little more time but if you end up calling on your insurance the last thing you want to hear is that the policy you picked doesn’t include camel riding or sand-boarding . If you’re the sporty or adventures type always check details in the “activities covered” section of policies.
3. Add-on’s aren’t all bad
Add on packages to travel insurance usually seem like just a way for companies to make a bit more money off you. Websites and sales staff will always suggest extras but these can often be helpful and not always expensive. If travelling outwith Europe for extended periods or perhaps you’re planning a tour of several countries often Worldwide Cover options can only be a few pounds more. Upgrading lets you rest safe in the knowledge that if your flight is redirected or you end up with an unplanned stopover you are covered anywhere.
4. Green is good but print essentials
Many insurers now follow the eco friendly route and will email all your paperwork rather than sending out hard copies so make sure you make your own. Though we all like saving trees having a copy of policy documents and proof of insurance is essential. USB or email versions sound good but if there isn’t use of a computer available these are pretty useless. Your insurance certificate, policy number and contact details for your travel insurers are all must haves.
5. If things go wrong – receipts, receipts, receipts!
If the worst happens make note of everything. Write down what medical clinic you went to and how you got there or whether the airline that lost your luggage gave you an estimate to when it would be returned. Keeping notes will help jog your memory when claiming back money. If you have to pay for things onsite save every receipt you get and if one isn’t offered, ask! Whether it’s a hotel due to a missed flight or for a doctors visit make sure there is proof of it and keep it safe. Receipts are the only evidence you can provide to insurers and every one counts.
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