Travel Insurance tips and advice

When going on holiday in the UK or abroad it’s important that you make sure you have travel insurance to cover your trip. Here are some tips and advice for what to consider when looking for a travel insurance policy for your holiday.

Why is it important to have travel insurance?

Travel insurance is there to protect you in the event that something goes wrong both before or during your trip.  For example, if you fall ill or are made redundant before your trip it could cover cancellation charges, or if you need medical treatment abroad or need to claim for stolen items whilst you’re away it will always come in handy.

When should you get your travel insurance?

It’s best to take out travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday, this means that you’ll be covered before and during your holiday. Comprehensive travel insurance policies cover you for cancellations should something happen and you are unable to travel.

What to consider when purchasing travel insurance

Medical cover – Medical costs overseas, especially in the US and Mexico, can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. Travel insurance will cover those bills. If you have a pre-existing medical condition it is vital you declare it to the insurance company, so should you fall ill on holiday you will be covered.

Cancellation cover – If you fall ill or are made redundant from your job and therefore unable to travel, the incurred cancellation fees should be covered by your travel insurance. This is why it is important that you purchase insurance at the time of booking as you never know if you may need to cancel.

Lost luggage – Most travel insurance providers will cover individual items, lost or stolen items, cash and documents.

Annual or single policy

If you’re planning to go away a few times this year then it could be more cost effective to purchase an annual policy rather than two or three single policies. Make sure your annual policy covers all the destinations you’re planning to visit.

Are you going on a cruise holiday?

If you’re going on a cruise holiday it’s important to make sure the policy includes cruise cover. Always check with your cruise provider on the travel insurance cover they require, as some companies may deny boarding if you do not have comprehensive cover for the duration of your trip. Also make sure your policy covers the cost of your trip, covers the destinations you’re travelling to and ensure that you have the right amount of cover for your trip.

With ABTA Travel Insurance cruise cover comes as standard on all three levels of cover for both single and annual trip policies. Other travel insurance providers may charge extra.

Winter sports cover for ski holidays

If you’re going skiing or snowboarding make sure you take out winter sports cover with your travel insurance. If you’re planning other activities on your trip, read the policy carefully to check you’re covered for them. Winter sports cover usually includes emergency medical cover, piste cover and damaged, lost or stolen equipment. Always double check that your policy covers the winter activities you have planned for your holiday. With ABTA Travel Insurance winter sports cover is available as an optional add on.

Activities and sports cover

As with skiing or snowboarding, if you’re planning any activities whilst you’re on holiday, such as scuba diving or cycling, it’s vital that you check that your insurance policy will cover that sport or activity. You’ll also need to check the terms and conditions of the policy as there will be requirements such as a maximum depth for scuba diving or wearing a helmet if you’re going on a cycling trip. ABTA Travel Insurance policy covers over 120 sports and activities as standard, terms and conditions apply.

What is a GHIC?

As well as travel insurance it’s important to make sure you have a Global Health Insurance Card or GHIC. This allows UK residents to access medically necessary state healthcare when travelling, either for free or at a reduced cost, in all 27 EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Montenegro, the Channel Islands and Australia. The GHIC has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but if you still have a valid EHIC, you can still use this until it expires.

If you have a medical emergency, need a prescription or have a pre-existing medical condition in a country where the GHIC is accepted, you will be entitled to the same level of care that a resident would receive in that country.

However, it’s important to note that the GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance, it won’t necessarily cover all the medical bills you could incur if you fall ill or are injured abroad. For example, a GHIC/EHIC would not include, an air ambulance, ski or mountain rescue, treatment in a private facility or repatriation if you need to be flown back to the UK.

How can I get a GHIC?

The card itself is free of charge, you can apply for it on the NHS website, and it’s accepted in all 27 EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Montenegro, the Channel Islands and Australia. It is valid for up to five years.

Always read your travel insurance policy carefully and choose a policy that covers your needs. If you’re unsure about anything always reach out to your provider, who will be able to assist you.