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Travel Tips - Buying insurance
| • | Don't risk travelling without insurance - it could cost you a lot more in the long run. |
| • | Arrange travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, this will ensure that you are covered for cancellation and curtailment. |
| • | Always shop around. Buying travel insurance direct from a specialist is usually better value than going to a travel agent or bank etc. |
| • | Does the insurance company have a Claims Charter? |
| • | Check the levels of excess on the policy. |
| • | It is important to be covered for medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, cancellation and curtailment of the trip, money/documents and baggage. Other areas of cover usually include delay, missed departure, loss of passport, legal expenses and assistance services. |
| • | The E111 medical system is not a substitute for a proper travel insurance policy. E111 can provide free or reduced cost treatment in European Economic Area countries (EEA). However, only state-provided treatment is covered with this – and this may not cover all of the things that you would expect to receive free of charge with the NHS. As a result, travellers are often left with a large percentage of their medical bill. A good Travel Insurance policy is recommended to use alongside E111. |
| • | Check the levels of cover and make sure they suit your particular circumstances. Be wary of paying excessive premiums for unnecessary cover. |
| • | Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and any hazardous activities/sports you may be undertaking. Failure to do so could mean that you are not covered if something goes wrong. This is important for any holiday you may be going on, e.g. winter sports/summer holiday. |
| • | Make sure your policy covers the full length of your trip. |
| • | Is cancellation cover enough to cover the cost of your trip? |
| • | Check that any expensive items you are taking away (e.g. video camera, jewellery) are covered either by your travel insurance or some other form of policy e.g. home contents. |
| • | If going on a winter sports holiday, check that the policy covers off-piste skiing, snowboarding, ski pack and ski equipment. |
| • | If you go away three or more times a year, investigate the benefits offered by an annual multi trip policy. It will probably work out cheaper than buying several single trip policies. |
| • | If buying an annual policy, is the maximum trip duration enough for your needs? |
| • | Read the small print. Under the ABI code of practice you are entitled to full refund within 14 days of purchase if the terms and conditions do not suit your requirements. |
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Columbus Direct is a specialist travel insurance intermediary which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. |