At this moment in time, most of the world seems to be staying at home due to the COVID-19 Corona virus. Airlines all around the world are going into administration (such as German giant Flybe) and other airports all across Europe and the rest of the world are being shut down. In modern times, it’s more important than ever to make sure that you are sufficiently protected from the travel insurance options that you select.
Given that most people do like to get away for a little bit every year, (largely to escape, it is crucial therefore to know, especially in this critical time, what you need to be aware of when considering your travel insurance options.
A simple google search “Travel Insurance” will bring upon you, hundreds of thousands of blogs. Each of which attempts to overwhelm you with advice, before finally trying to sell you their solution at the end of the page.
That is why we have created this comprehensive and inclusive travel insurance guide with help of AA Insurance, so you can be fully aware of what exactly you need to take into consideration if you are planning a trip abroad this summer. Sound good? Let’s get right into it!
Things you need to know about getting the best travel insurance:
1# Try to avoid buying an insurance from a travel agent, airline or tour operator
They are almost always more expensive than when you buy from another insurance firm.
2# Decide what your insurance will cover
For example, if you are deciding to take your laptop with you on holiday, that €15 one week cover is utterly useless once you realize that it only has an excess over of €250, and a one-item limit of €150. Typically, it’s best to have travel policies that would cover a medical expense of at least €2 million in Europe and €5 million in the rest of the world. Not to mention, €3,000 to over cancellations, and €1,500 for belongings cover.
3# Check what is already offered by your bank or home insurance
Home policies frequently include personal possessions insurance, and you are away from home so that you can save money without the need for baggage cover. Some credit cards or current accounts may include travel insurance, but you should ensure that it covers everything you need, as mentioned above.
4# Decide onto how often you will be traveling in any given year
If you plan on traveling more than once in a year, then first of all: I am incredibly jealous. Secondly, you may want to select multi-trip insurance to get a better deal. Many travel insurance companies will offer excellent deals for multiple trips. You can find many such deals from insurance comparison site online.
5# Don’t be a king of travel excess
The excess – for those of you who aren’t aware – is the amount that you would have to pay towards any claims. For example, if the claim is €500 and the excess is €200, the insurer only pays out €300. A higher excess will result in a considerably cheaper claim, but it may not be worth having in the end.
6# Revise your geography
Always be aware of where exactly is covered in your regional insurance plans. For example, if you are lucky enough to be visiting North Africa this year, you shouldn’t need to worry about purchasing a global policy, like Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey mostly fall under European deals. But if you are planning on heading Stateside this summer, you should be careful, as some comprehensive policies will not include the US or Canada.
7# Do your homework on other exclusions
Make sure that your policy covers everything that you need. For example, many policies (especially the cheapest ones) don’t include people who are aged 65 or over, regardless of what kind of how health they are. Other policies are not likely to cover anyone with pre-exciting medical conditions. So should you be traveling with a family member who has asthma, likely, the policy would not payout in the event of having an asthma attack on holidays.
8# Be aware of your dangerous adventures
Many policies won’t include risky activities, such as scuba diving, horse riding, mountain biking, or jet skiing. If you plan on heading on a winter sports holiday this summer, make sure that the policy you select includes comprehensive winter sports coverage.
9# Opt for Airline Schedule failure cover
If you decide (and you should) to book your insurance and airlines separately, your insurance must include scheduled airline failure cover. Or even, end-supplier coverage, which can protect you if your ferry or villa company happens to go bust after you have booked your holiday.
10# Get yourself an EHIC
If you are heading elsewhere in Europe on your travels, make sure to get an EHIC, a European Health Insurance Card. This gives you access to state-provided healthcare, at a lowered cost, or even for free if you are temporarily visiting an EU country, including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. Some insurance policies will waive the excess for related medical claims if you’re EHIC is used to get treatment while you are abroad in the EU.
In conclusion, it is imperative that you properly do your homework before selecting a travel insurance policy. There are many factors that you need to take into account, which have been outlined in this guide. If you’re planning on heading away this year, make sure to stay safe and follow all guidelines on getting the best travel insurance for you and your family.
