Whether it’s medical expenses, last-minute trip cancellations, or lost luggage, travel insurance can help cover you for a range of unexpected costs.
Your bags are packed, you have your passport and tickets in your hand luggage, and you’re heading off on what promises to be a fantastic holiday. However, have you remembered to take out appropriate travel insurance?
The Daily Mail reported that one in five of us goes on holiday abroad without travel insurance. Yet, according to the Association of British Insurers, half a million insurance claims were made in 2017, with payouts totalling over £400 million.
Every traveller wants a stress-free holiday, however, when things don’t quite go according to plan having travel insurance in place will help make things easier.
The Association of British Insurers stated: “Falling ill or getting injured overseas can be extremely expensive if you don’t have travel insurance. In the UK the NHS means we don’t see the real cost of medical treatment. Medical costs abroad, however, can quickly add up, especially in situations where medical evacuation is necessary.”
Here’s some of the things travel insurance can cover you on.
Medical cover
Research conducted by the Association of British Travel Agents claims that many holidaymakers believe that having the free European Health Insurance Card means they don’t need to take out travel insurance when travelling inside Europe.
However, this card doesn’t cover all medical expenses in Europe. The association estimates that an air ambulance evacuation from Majorca, for example, could set a holidaymaker back more than £25,000. So, to avoid large costs like that making sure you take out travel insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses is a must.
Cancellation
Sometimes something happens at home that means you must cancel your holiday. Being able to retrieve some of the costs of your trip, if you’re unable to travel due to unforeseen circumstances, is also another reason why travel insurance is important.
The Association of British Insurers states cancellation payouts makes up a third of claim costs. However, you must take out the insurance at the time of booking your trip in order to fully benefit from the cancellation cover.
Missed your departure
Don’t panic if you miss your flight due to traffic on the roads from an accident, or the train breaking down en route to the airport. Some travel insurance policies cover you if you miss your flight through no fault of your own. However, you must be able to gather evidence to support your claim, this can include photographic evidence, eye witness accounts, or tickets if travelling via train or bus. You will need to check if your policy includes this cover.
Winter sports
Ski and snowboarding holidays are fantastic, and can offer a lot of excitement, but do come with their own alternative risks so often need their own insurance policies. The Association of British Travel Agents states that a third of skiers and snowboarders don’t take out appropriate travel insurance. The Ski Club of Great Britain estimates that being airlifted from a mountain can cost thousands of pounds, and in the rare case that that is necessary, the last thing you want to worry about is funding it.
Winter sports cover should also meet the cost of all your equipment in the event of your kit being lost, stolen or damaged.
High-risk activities
Going on holiday can often give people the chance to experience new things. Thrill seekers may look to take part in some popular activities many people like to do on holiday, but like with skiing and snowboarding, so-called “high-risk activities” may require alternative insurance policies. It’s always worth checking your policy before embarking on these kinds of activities as some insurers charge extra for, or even exclude certain activities.
Unexpected events
Natural disasters, although a rare occurrence, do sometimes happen. Some travel insurance policies protect you against the financial costs of alternative accommodation and flights if you get caught up in natural disasters whilst on your holiday.
Personal liability
Personal liability travel insurance provides cover if you are found to be legally liable for injuring someone or damaging their property. The Ski Club of Great Britain told The Daily Mail “It’s all too easy to crash into someone on the ski slopes, whether you’re at fault or not, so it’s essential to have personal liability cover when participating in winter sports.”
Whether you are going away to chillax or about to embark on an action-packed ski and snowboarding holiday, making sure you have appropriate travel insurance is incredibly important. Having the right cover in place will give you peace of mind and will allow you to enjoy your single traveller holidays.
