Travel Insurance - don't leave home without it!

Travel is a pleasure and a joy, we all know that. The highlight of the year for millions of us are our annual holidays, whether that is a fortnight in the sun, a winter ski trip or something entirely different. We save hard for our holidays; they are our escape from reality, our chance to relax and recharge.

As your travel agent, our aim is that you travel well; that you enjoy your holiday time and make lasting memories … of the right sort! We’re here to help you find your dream destination, of course. And we can also give you a steer on the other important elements of travelling well – the less sexy bits, the things that can slip to the bottom of the ‘to do’ list.  

Let’s talk Travel Insurance …

If you read no further then just register this … The first and most important piece of advice we give all clients is to make sure you have appropriate travel insurance! As soon as you have booked your holiday, get the insurance. #ThatIsAll.

Why insure?

Travel insurance isn’t just a nice to have, optional extra - it’s a holiday essential. To give some perspective … travel insurers paid out £511million in 2023 for claims covering medical expenses, cancellations, lost baggage and more.  That’s payments to people like you and me for events that we could not have foreseen. That’s piece of mind right there!

Cancellation Cover

Please don’t be fooled into thinking that the sole purpose of Travel Insurance is to help you out with medical treatment in case you fall sick when you are away. This is not the case. Many travel insurance claims are down to holiday cancellation. This is one of the reasons we always advise taking out a policy as soon as you have booked. As an example, picture this … you have spent £thousands on a family holiday for two weeks in the sun, you’re days away from jetting off and little Louisa takes a tumble at gymnastics and breaks her leg, needing surgery and a period of bed rest.

The holiday is off!!

No insurance = no holiday and the loss of your £thousands.

With appropriate insurance? You stand to be reimbursed your holiday costs and/or your travel agent may be able to rebook at a different date with the tour operator. It’s a no-brainer!

Medical Cover

And how about that medical cover when we’re away? It’s a sad fact that the cost for medical treatment in many countries is astronomical. Indeed in some regions, medical treatment will not be provided without presentation of insurance details. Don’t leave yourself exposed. No one wants to have to set up a Go Fund Me appeal on your behalf. Make sure that you travel with appropriate insurance, that has a significant level of medical cover. The Foreign Office has some great advice about this and examples of how much treatment could cost you overseas. For instance, treatment for a stomach bug or infection in the USA involving hospitalisation and possible medical evacuation could cost in excess of £150,000! See more here. 

Repatriation

No one likes to think that the worst will happen. But, sadly, it can and does. The last thing you, or your family, need if there is a bereavment overseas is a hefty bill for repatriation of remains. Or, even worse, the inability to meet a bill and a forced decision for local burial or cremation. Most policies cover issues like repatriation, removing the need for those difficult decisions and stressful financial conversations at a time that is already going to be fraught with emotion.  

Personal Effects Cover

Most policies will cover luggage as a standard. Read the fine print to make sure that you are also covered for loss of cash or belongings whilst in resort. If you travel with lots of electronic gadgets it's also worth checking that these are covered, there may be an additional premium to pay - but perhaps worth it to propect against the loss of your brand new iPhone and iPad. 

A summary of our Insurance Top Tips

1. Buy a policy as soon as you book!
2. Take time to read the fine print and make sure that the policy gives you cancellation cover and under what circumstances.
3. Check what level of medical cover is offered; is it private care? is there provision for repatriation should that become necessary? is a family member/travelling companion covered to stay with you if needed? 
4. Take time to research and identify the right policy for you making sure it covers you for any activities you are going to take part in whist away, eg skiing, diving, horse riding etc.
5. It sounds obvious, but make sure that the policy covers the region of the world you are visiting. Bear in mind that insurance for some destinations (remote island states as an example) can be more expensive than for others. Not every insurer will cover you for some more remote or adventurous holidays, make sure that your policy has what you need.
6. Also perhaps an obvious one, make sure that the policy is effective for the length of your trip. Many insurers cover for a maximum period of eg 28 days, 90 days ... if you are setting off on a lengthy expedition, make sure you're policy covers that! 
7. If you are taking a cruise, make sure that you take cruise specific insurance. You will need to provide your travel agent with your insurance details for any cruise bookings and may be asked to present evidence of cover on boarding. No cover = no cruise!
8. Make sure you declare any and all pre-existing medical conditions. Not all insurers will cover all conditions – but there are many specialist providers who can help you, whatever your medical history. If in doubt, ask us to signpost you to specialist insurers.

So there you have it …with something so costly and key to our wellbeing our holiday planning needs to take in much more than just the flight and the hotel arrangements.

Book with us and we’re with you every step of the way.  Get in touch with today to start planning your next holiday adventure!