Safer travelling

Travel insurance is usually a combined package that covers a whole range of risks that can occur while you travel. The main coverage it offers comprises medical expenses, personal liability, cancellation, luggage and cash. Depending on what you are interested to cover your policy will be more or less expensive.

You can purchase travel insurance to cover a single trip, or you can buy an annual policy covering all trips taken in a year. Although the latter charges a more expensive fee, depending on how often you travel, it might be cheaper than separate cover. Always choose a policy that covers you and your family.
Most policies include a 24 hour emergency service and help centre number. You should always carry a copy of your policy and the necessary telephone numbers.
Know that there are some occurrences usually excluded in travel policies.
·        If you have pre-existing medical conditions the policy might not cover specific treatments.
·        Check if your policy provides coverage in case you must cancel your holiday or you have to cut short your vacations. If it does, it would normally cover the following cancellation reasons:
o       Illness or death of a member of your family or business partner
o       Legal requirements
o       Damage to your home or business due to fire, flood or storm
·        Some sports considered of higher risk are usually not covered by regular travel insurance. There are policies that provide specific coverage for these sports (i.e. skiing or snowboarding).
·        Policies usually demand a maximum number of pregnancy weeks to be able to travel with coverage.
·        The terms and conditions always state how valuables should be kept. If you don’t follow these requirements the insurance company might reject your claim.
·        You will find limits on the amount some policies pay on the claims. Some don’t even cover losses regarding luggage or holiday cancellation.
·        If you have hurt yourself or caused property or other damages while under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs, the insurance will not provide coverage.
·        Insurance companies don’t provide coverage if you travel to countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised not to travel.
If you are a UK resident travelling to a European Union country, Lichtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, you are granted free or low cost health service. To be covered you need to complete the E111 form, which you can get free of charge in any Post Office or Travel Agents. These cards are valid until 31^st December, 2005. The new cards will be available to download starting in September 2005.
Nonetheless, it is worth having more comprehensive insurance that covers other unfortunate events. Remember to always keep the bills from medical expenses to support your claims.