Choosing the right travel insurance can be difficult; there are many different travel insurance providers each offering a different range of insurance packages. Taking the time to research your options could save you money and give you the peace of mind that if anything unexpected happens while you are away, your insurance will cover the costs incurred.
Depending on the number of trips you expect to make during the year, you first need to decide whether single trip or annual multi-trip insurance is best for you. Although multi-trip insurance is generally around three times the price of single trip insurance, it covers you for up to eighteen months and can take the hassle out of purchasing insurance for each separate trip you take. Conversely, if you know you will only make one trip this year, there is no sense in paying for an annual multi-trip policy that costs you three times as much.
Travel insurance is often offered to you when you book a holiday with a travel agent. Although this can be the simplest option, you should take the time to compare their insurance policy with those of other providers. Travel agents often receive commission if they sell you their policy, so it is in their interest that you take out the insurance they offer. Bear in mind that they will often use 'hard-sell' techniques to persuade you to buy their policy, such as pressuring you into buying the policy immediately. You are under no obligation to buy their insurance and will often find that their deal is not the best for you.
You may wish to compare a range of insurance providers, from specialist brokers to online insurers. Ensure you compare both the price and level of coverhome contents insurance already covers certain personal possessions when they are taken away from home: if this is the case, ask your travel insurance provider whether they can remove personal possessions cover and reduce your premium. Check the excess that you are required to pay if you make a claim; policies vary and it is not worth taking out a cheaper policy if you later find that you have to pay the first five hundred pounds of any claim.
Consider the exclusions that apply to your policy. For example, if you will be skiing it is imperative that you take out special ski insurance to cover incidents which are not usually covered by a standard policy. Always check the they are offering; it is not worth buying a cheap policy if you later find out that you are not covered as comprehensively as you initially wanted. Many people find that their policy wording to ensure you are familiar with any restrictions that apply; if you fail to disclose certain 'material information', which your insurer considers significant, you could find your policy is not valid.
Many insurers will refuse to cover you if you are over sixty-five years of age. This is because you are considered more likely to make a claim; for the most part, this is due to your increased likelihood of suffering from poor health and requiring expensive medical treatment when travelling. Nevertheless, many specialist brokers and insurers do offer travel insurance if you are over sixty-five. Some may charge you a very high premium for cover, but by taking the time to compare policies between insurers, you can usually find insurance that meets your needs but is reasonably priced.
This is also the case if you suffer from certain pre-existing medical conditions. Many insurers will refuse to cover any claim that arises as a result of a condition which you currently have, or have had in the past. Your travel insurance may be rendered useless if you aim to make a claim for medical expenses and are refused. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, ensure that you take time to shop around for the best deal. Specialised insurance providers can offer you pre-existing medical condition travel insurance for a slightly larger premium.
Travel insurance is not compulsory. However given the peace of mind that it offers, choosing the right travel cover for your needs is often essential to enjoying a trip away from home. For more information on what is covered by travel insurance see Travel Insurance Cover.
