Why is travel insurance important?
With any trip away there are always some unforeseen circumstances and travel insurance is the best way to guarantee you are covered should any misfortune occur. Whether it is a delayed flight, sickness or lost luggage, the unpredictable can often happen at the most inconvenient times.
The best travel insurance policies will protect you against a range of different circumstances than includes delays, loss, sickness, and cancellations. When you compare travel insurance, you want to find a package that covers a wide variety of situations. So rather than getting medical travel insurance or air travel insurance separately, it’s best to combine the two. Depending on the travel insurance you have, you either foot the bill and claim the money back later, or the insurance provides the payment for you, and you pay an excess fee.
Check out our list of the top reasons to get medical insurance for travel abroad and some tips for when you book.
Why should you opt for the best travel insurance?
Sickness and injury
With such diverse cultures and cuisines awaiting you on your next journey, getting sick from unfamiliar food is a common part of a vacation. Thankfully, even cheap travel insurance should cover severe sickness or injury. It means you can enjoy your trip and explore the best food and activities on offer without having to worry.
Top tip: Make sure to look out for any age limitations or medical exclusions on the policy you pick. Sometimes for those over 65 or those with previous medical conditions, travel health insurance usually requires a slight premium. Always answer any eligibility questions honestly, or your insurer may not payout.
Save money
Travel insurance comparison sites are the best way for you to save money and avoid costly payouts while you are away. They scour the entire market and highlight the best options available to you based on the choices you have made. Getting travel insurance before you leave means you won’t get landed with a hefty bill to pay at a foreign hospital where it’s difficult to understand the specific charges.
Top tip: We often get asked where to buy travel insurance, I recommend you avoid purchasing insurance from a travel agent or the company who you booked your tour with. They are far more costly than going directly with an insurance provider and may not include the same level of cover.
Cancellation
One of the most significant benefits of having travel insurance is the cancellation protection. If something comes up and you are not able to go on your trip, then you are covered, and the consequences are minimal. On top of that, the best travel insurance deals include operator cancellation, meaning if your flight or tour is cancelled you get a refund.
Top tip: Before using travel insurance comparison sites, decide on what you need the insurance policy to cover. I recommend making a list of your belongings and activities that will be used on the trip so you can just pay for things you need, but cancellation coverage is a must and according to the experts should cover at least £3000.
Frequent travel
If you are someone who often gets away, then travel insurance is a must. Most travel insurance comparison sites offer discounts for people who go abroad a lot. It’s easy to become complacent when you have several trips without any mishaps, but all it takes is one incident to make the costs pile up, so stay protected.
Top tip: Annual travel insurance is recommended by the experts if you go away more than twice a year. The cost is cheaper than buying individual travel insurance policies each time you go. Be aware than annual travel insurance usually only covers periods of travel of 31 days in a row.
Lost baggage and items
I lost my baggage on my last trip and didn’t have any travel insurance. It turned out to be a nightmare as I didn’t have any clothes and couldn’t retrieve the baggage without paying a courier. Top-tier travel insurance policies will cover for lost and delayed bags, as well as any new clothes you had to buy in the time it took for the luggage to turn up.
Top tip: Home insurance policies and bank accounts can often include protection for your personal belongings while you travel. Check these before purchasing and additional travel insurance to save yourself some money.
Emergencies
Unfortunately, emergencies come out of the blue and need immediate attention. While you’re away, it could mean being evacuated or flown to a hospital, but having the peace of mind that you or your family will be safe in the event of an emergency is invaluable. The best travel insurance will even include assistance services such as help with translation or finding alternative transport.
Top tip: Be wary of the amount you choose for your excess. It may seem sensible to raise the excess or one-off payment so that the overall cost is lower, but the last thing you need in an emergency is to fork out a large sum of money you don’t have.
When is too late to buy travel insurance?
The short answer is never. However, it is best to purchase travel insurance before your trip begins, and you are still in your country of origin. Compare travel insurance before leaving and sign up for the one that best fits your needs. You can purchase insurance while abroad, but the conditions are a lot stricter.
