Hello and welcome to my lifestyle and travel blog. My name is Ned – traveller, fitness enthusiast, nutritionist and a cat lover…
How to find the best travel insurance
Follow the below tips to get the best and the most suitable for you travel insurance with the best 5 star insurance company.
In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, making sure you have travel insurance is more important than ever. For more answers to your questions, read the insurers’ guide to coronavirus.
Why do I need travel insurance?
A travel insurance policy can provide the security you need while on holiday. It offers you peace of mind, knowing that, should you need it, you’ll be well looked after, have your belongings replaced, or have alternative accommodation and travel arrangements if required.
Falling ill abroad can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, and travel insurance needn’t break the bank.
The costs of these are more expensive than you’d think. Medical costs abroad can easily run into the tens of thousands. Or even hundreds of thousands, if you need specialist treatment or an emergency evacuation.
Something as small as a lost passport can have huge consequences. You’ll need to arrange a replacement, or emergency passport, you might have to make alternative travel arrangements and you may need additional accommodation while you wait for your replacement to be issued. All of this can add up fast, over something that can happen in an instant.
Understand what travel insurance you need
The only way to make sure you are covered properly is to take account of your circumstances.
Calculate the cost of your holiday and the items you’re taking with you. If you’re only taking £1,000-worth of items with you and your holiday cost £5,000, you don’t need baggage cover of £5,000 and cancellation cover of £10,000.
The most common types of policy are:
- Single trip: This insurance will cover you for one short trip.
- Annual multi-trip: If you’re taking more than one trip a year, then a multi-trip policy will likely be the most cost-effective. There may be a limit on the total number of days abroad you’re covered for.
- Worldwide: Generally, travel insurance for trips within Europe are cheaper. This is largely because medical costs in countries outside the EU can be much higher.
- Winter sports: You’ll need this for skiing, snowboarding or other winter activities that are generally a bit more dangerous and might require special provisions. They can also involve expensive specialist equipment, which this policy should cover.
- Cruise: Covers the specific risks and activities associated with this type of holiday.
- Couples: This is for two adults, who live at the same address and are in a relationship.
- Family: This covers members of a family in one simple policy. Some insurance providers will also offer free cover to anyone under 18 in the family.
- Group: This could suit you if you’re travelling with up to 10 friends or family members, if you’re all travelling from the same country.
- Business travel: If you’re travelling for work, then business travel is tailored for your needs.
Don’t buy cover at the last minute! Leaving insurance to the last minute means you’re not making the most of your cancellation protection, and you could be out of pocket if you no longer go.
