Travel Insurance Guide
Most reputable travel insurance policies should cover medical expenses, personal liability, cancellation and curtailment, loss of baggage and money, missed departure and travel delay up to defined limits. In recent years, however, especially since the demise of some high profile travel companies, additional types of cover have emerged.
The largest potential bills that you are possibly likely to face are medical expenses and personal liability. Generally, medical expenses cover the cost of any emergency and medical treatment that you may require. It is worth noting that each travel insurance company will require you to comply with their policy on pre-existing medical conditions, therefore, always read the policy carefully. Personal liability covers you if you’re found responsible for any damage or injury that you cause to anyone else, or their property, while you are on holiday abroad.
Some policies also pay out a lump sum if you’re permanently disabled or lose a limb or if you die while abroad. The amount of cover you can purchase for each of these categories obviously differs from one travel insurance company to another, and from one policy to another. If you are going to a country where English is not a frequently spoken language consider choosing a travel insurance policy which offers a 24 medical assistance should an unexpected emergency occur.
Who Is Covered?
Insurance cover can be purchased individually for couples, family, or business travel. If you travelling as a couple ensure you are protected if you travel independently of each other. If you have children, family travel insurance cover may be better value for money. However, check the maximum age that offspring are considered dependant children as this can vary according to each policy.
Some policies cover children if they are in full time education up to certain age provided they are living at home. Ensure that the number of children allowed on the travel insurance policy is adequate and whether that they are covered if they travel independently from you. If you go away on business trips on a regular basis, consider checking your policy terms and conditions as many ordinary travel insurance policies exclude business travelers.
