Compare travel insurance

Do I really need travel insurance?

Many people feel that taking out travel insurance is an unnecessary expense, but it can end up saving you thousands of pounds. We all like to believe that holidays and trips abroad are plain sailing and stress free. Unfortunately though flights get delayed, luggage gets lost, people get ill and hotels get overbooked.

While no one wants to think about things going wrong, when weighing up whether or not you need travel insurance, you might want to consider these factors:

• You’re not covered by the NHS when you’re overseas. There is no NHS in Ibiza. If you end up needing medical care, you’ll have to somehow fork out the cash to pay the medical bills and medical bills abroad can be exorbitantly expensive.
• Your flight has just been cancelled. Cancelled flights as well as lost, damaged or stolen luggage and valuables are frustrating and costly. Why risk losing thousands when you can get peace of mind for as little as the cost of a few drinks?
• You could end up in serious debt. Hefty hospital bills and repatriation home could leave you and your family hundreds of thousands of pounds in debt.
• Travel insurance is compulsory for some countries. You’re required to have travel insurance in order to gain entry into some countries, including Cuba, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
• You could be liable for injuring someone else. It is easy to accidentally cause injury to someone on the ski slopes, especially if you’re not that experienced, but travel insurance can cover you for personal liability claims.

What does travel insurance cover me for?

• Trip Cancellation. This provides cover for cancellation fees as well as any prepaid deposits you made for travel and accommodation that you are not able to recover if your trip is cancelled or cut short.
• Medical Cover. This provides cover for treatment overseas if you suffer a serious illness or injury. It also should include repatriation in case you need to be flown back home.
• Baggage and Belongings. This provides cover for luggage and personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged on your trip. You can purchase additional cover for specific items.
• Travel delays. This provides cover for delays and cancellations that are beyond your control. Travel delay cover can help you manage some of the additional expenses that may arise as a result, such as accommodation or additional transport.

Things to consider when comparing policies

When comparing different travel insurance quotes its important to consider the following points to make sure you’re receiving the right cover for your trip.

• Where are you travelling? Are there risks specific to that country you should be aware of and is it covered by your insurer? If there has been a travel warning issued against travelling to the country, you may not be able to apply for cover. It is also important to ensure that you are covered for each country you are travelling to, consider worldwide cover if you’re travelling far and wide.
• Do you need extra cover for your trip? If you’re off skiing or your trip involves adventurous activities you’re going to need extra cover. You could also need extra cover if you have pre-existing medical conditions, you’re above a certain age, you’re taking valuables that you want to protect.
• Discounts. If you’re travelling as a family or a group then you might be able to receive a slight discount on your policy.
• How long are you travelling for? Are you a frequent traveller? If you travel often, or you’re planning on taking a gap year, then an annual policy might be more affordable and convenient. Just be aware of the maximum period of travel permitted for individual trips.
• Maximum cover available. Make sure you check out the range of benefits and the maximum payment you will receive for each claim, for example, how much will you be able to claim if you suffer a medical emergency, if your flight is delayed or if your luggage or valuables are lost, stolen or damaged

What doesn’t travel insurance cover?

The last thing you need is to be left stranded overseas if your claim is rejected. Know exactly what you are covered for and avoid a nasty surprise at claim time.

• Had a few drinks? Jumped on a moped after a few drinks and ended up hitting a ditch? Yep, you’re not covered. Insurers do not pay claims that arise while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  Renting a motorcycle or moped? You’re only covered if you have a current UK motorcycle licence and you wear a helmet.
  Diving or Bungee jumping? Not all activities will be automatically covered. Each insurer will have a list of high-risk pursuits that are excluded from cover. Find out what these are and if you need to purchase any additional cover.
• Lost an expensive item? Policies will have limits applied to what will be paid for an item, which may not measure up to what it’s worth. Consider getting specific cover to protect expensive items.
  Had to pay more once you returned home? You’re only covered for expenses incurred while on your trip overseas, not once you have returned home to the UK.
• Ended up in a war zone or a riot? Very few insurers cover claims that are the result of you travelling to a country against foreign travel advice or other warning issued by the government or mass media. This may include strikes, riots, bad weather, civil unrest, contagious diseases, epidemics, pandemics, or threats of epidemics or pandemics. Claims that arise while you’re in a country under a do-not-travel warning will not be covered.
• Left your bag in the back of the taxi? Most insurers do not cover theft if you did not take reasonable care to protect your belongings. Insurers do not cover theft of expensive items that have been left unattended.
• Final stages of pregnancy?Generally, insurers exclude cover for complications that arise past the24th week of pregnancy, although the specifics of cover do vary from one insurer to the next.

What are the most common travel insurance claims?

The most common travel insurance claims are those associated with the three main areas of risk: luggage or personal items damaged or lost, cancellations and overseas medical expenses.

Most common travel insurance claims and how to avoid them.

Some final points before you buy travel insurance

• Tell the truth. It’s really not worth leaving out details of an old medical condition or anything that you think might be able to save you a few extra pounds. Insurance companies will take the time to ensure that your claim is genuine and that you were truthful at the time of application, so it’s important to be upfront from the start to ensure you are covered appropriately.
• Read the important stuff. You might not read 10 different product disclosure statements cover to cover, but at the very least read through the exclusions and cover benefits section so you know when you will and won’t be covered. It’s also worth checking out the claims section so you know exactly what you will need to provide and who to contact in the event of a claim.
• Know the excess you will be charged. Excess charges can vary greatly between insurers. You will be charged an excess for each individual claim you make under the policy, so it is important to know how much you’ll need to fork out in the event of a claim.
• Want to avoid the excess altogether? Some insurers offer policies with no excess. However, this does mean that you’ll be required to pay a higher premium when you purchase the policy so that you no longer have to pay an excess.
• Know what you will be paid for the loss of valuable items. Most policies will have a sub-limit for individual items. If you are taking out additional cover for expensive items, make sure you know the maximum amount your insurer will pay for multiple items in the event of a claim.
• Keep an eye out for discounts. Competition between insurers for your business means there are some great chances to lock down great savings and bonus gifts.

Still unclear on a few things? Here are some answers to questions you might have.

Purchasing your policy

• When is the best time to purchase travel insurance?

  It’s time to think about purchasing your travel insurance as soon as you have booked any part of your trip, so that your prepaid costs and deposits are covered in the event of cancellations or if your travel company or airline goes bust. You will still only pay for the period of travel you have taken out cover for.

• Can I take out travel insurance if I'm already overseas?

  Yes, but not many providers offer this. It is best to buy your travel insurance before you leave the UK.

• Can I purchase cover for my child who is travelling alone?

  Yes. There are some policies that will provide cover for unaccompanied children under 18.

• Can I buy cover for one-way trips?

  Yes. There are some insurers that offer cover for one-way trips. The journey will usually have to start in the UK and restrictions may apply.

• When do I add additional cover?

  You can add additional cover such as cover for specific sports or high-value items on the insurer’s website before entering your trip details.

• Do I need to take my travel insurance policy with me?

  Yes. You should take your policy with you as it provides you with information and emergency telephone numbers that you may need in the event of an emergency that may require you to make a claim. Your travel insurance document can provide the following details:

  • What evidence you will require for your claim to be approved.
  • Your policy number.
  • What you are actually covered for.
  • Your insurers emergency contact details.

Choosing the right option

• What countries or regions do I choose when getting a quote?

  When entering your trip details, you can either enter the countries or cities you are visiting or choose the region you are travelling to. Most insurers offer policies by region, not by specific countries, although there are exceptions to this, in which case you would choose specific countries.

• Am I covered for all countries in that region?

  Yes. For example, if you choose “Europe” as the region you’re travelling to, you will be covered for all European countries, although you may not be covered for countries that are not considered to be within Europe. If travelling in multiple regions, you may want to choose a Worldwide policy.

• What policy should I get if we're travelling as a pair?

  Some brands offer couple policies, which can be much more affordable and convenient than taking out two separate policies. A duo policy will cover both you and your travelling partner under a single policy. There is usually a reduced amount of cover provided for each cover feature for each traveller.

• What policy should I get if I'm taking a cruise to different countries?

  You will need to ensure that your policy provides cover for every destination that you will be visiting as part of your trip. Not all insurers will cover cruises, so do your research and find out which insurers offer cruise travel insurance. You may need to select the Worldwide region.

• Do I still need travel insurance with an EHIC card?

  The EHIC card allows UK citizens to gain access to state healthcare when temporarily staying in another European Economic Area (EEA). Meaning that you will be provided treatment as if you were a citizen of that country, either at a reduced cost or for free.

  Whilst the EHIC card offers great benefits, it is important to bear in mind the restrictions placed on your cover with just an EHIC card compared to a travel insurance policy. For example, an EHIC card would not cover you for repatriation if you had a skiing accident and needed to be flown straight back to the UK. It also only offers medical assistance. It does not cover you for delays, loss of baggage or trip cancellation, whereas a travel insurance policy would.

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Adjusting your policy

• Can I cancel my policy after I've purchased it?

  Most plans will come with a cooling-off period. If you cancel your policy during this time, the premium will be refunded.

• Can I extend my policy if I need to?

  Yes, but you usually need to apply for an extension a week before your cover ends.

• Can I change to a different policy?

  Yes, provided you cancel your existing cover within the cooling-off period (usually 14 days). You will receive a full refund and be able to take out a different policy.

When you will and won’t be covered

• What happens if my travel operator or airline company goes bankrupt?

  Most insurers exclude cover for this but you may be able to claim compensation from the airline itself, especially if they are ATOL protected.

• Does travel insurance cover car hire?

  Travel insurance can cover car hire but it does not cover costs associated with you being involved in a car accident or if the vehicle is stolen. This is a separate policy that you take out with the car hire company.

• Am I covered for working overseas?

  Conditions around travel insurance for working overseas vary between insurers. Generally, you will not be covered for injuries sustained if the work is labour-intensive or high-risk. It’s crucial to know exactly how you will be covered if you’re looking to work overseas.

• Will an annual family policy provide cover if I'm travelling alone?

  Yes, all family members listed on the policy will be covered for travel on separate trips by themselves (except if they are dependent children travelling alone).

• Does my insurer cover follow-up treatment after I return home?

  No. Your insurer won’t cover follow-up treatment for injuries or illnesses sustained overseas after you return home to the UK.

• Will I be covered if I develop a medical condition after I purchase cover but before I leave for my trip?

  Yes, provided you were not aware of the condition and not seeking treatment related to the condition prior to taking out cover. You will be covered for trip cancellation as a result of the condition.

• Does travel insurance cover theft?

  Travel insurance does cover theft, but there are conditions for when a claim will be paid. You must not have left the items unattended, and you must obtain an official police statement within 24 hours of the theft taking place.

• Does travel insurance cover terrorism?

  Some policies will provide cover for hijackings, but most policies exclude claims related to terrorism.

Making a claim

• What should I do if I have a medical emergency overseas?

  You should contact your insurer’s emergency medical assistance service as soon as possible. This service should be available 24 hours a day. The insurer will work with local medical providers and services to ensure you receive the attention required.

• When must I lodge my claim?

  Generally, you should make a claim within 30 days of returning home.

• Do I have to pay for my medical bill upfront?

  It will depend on the nature of the condition. For major procedures where the bill is significant, you should be able to contact your insurer to authorise payment. Where the condition is not as serious, treatment should be paid and receipted. In any case, you must obtain a medical certificate showing the nature of the condition or illness.

• What will happen if I am injured overseas and evacuated?

  If deemed necessary, your insurer will cover the costs to bring you home to the UK to receive medical treatment, then the NHS will be able to treat you.

• Can I make a claim for expensive items if I don't have a receipt?

  Generally, the insurer will require you to have some kind of proof of purchase in order to make a claim for expensive items. Such proof may include receipts or valuation certificates. It’s worth checking the conditions around what will be required prior to making a claim.

Millie Spark

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Millie Spark was a writer for Finder and covered a range of subjects including how to get the best deal on everyday shopping, and insurance.