Keith McGregor asked:


It should come as no surprise that the Treasury has recently announced a review into the sale of travel insurance policies with package holidays. Consumer groups, such as ‘Which’ magazine, have been clamouring for a change in the law, because it appears that consumers have been getting a raw deal, in terms of over-priced and often inadequate cover. The government has set itself the task of calling for evidence and consulting widely before making its decision, be that to keep the ‘status quo’, go for tighter self-regulation by the travel agents and tour operators or bring the industry under full FSA regulation as it does for the ‘standalone’ insurance sector.

A review is long overdue, given that some 20 million consumers purchase travel insurance policies in the UK each year in a market estimated to be around £670 million pounds in 2006. As ‘Which’ have recently reported, there is evidence of mis-selling by tour operators and travel agents who account for almost 50% of all travel insurance sales. Whilst, it is probably only a minority who fall into this category, it is not hard to see that getting a customer to take out a travel insurance policy at the time of booking a holiday is a very lucrative way of boosting profits from the commissions earned. That’s all well and good, provided the advice given is accurate and customers are given access to all the information they need to make an informed judgement but sadly this is not borne out by the statistics. According to the Treasury, whilst 81% of banks and insurers explained what the policy covered, this falls to a pitiful 19% when a policy is sold through travel agents.

It always pays to shop around and it is hardly surprising that the internet has seen a huge growth over the last five years and this trend is set to continue. Not only does the customer get a wider choice than what is on offer over the counter at a travel agent, but it is so much easier to tailor a policy, all by a simple click of a mouse. Moreover, internet based companies do not have the high overheads of the travel agent in the High Street, which means cheaper premiums which can only be a good outcome for the consumer.



Mark

William Catherine asked:

Gap year Travel Insurance: - Take a Gap year out with full cover on your safety

Every year thousands of young college-goers, undergrads, and professional go on a Gap year in order to take break from their busy and tight schedule. Usually all the gap year travellers use up their trip by working On a gap year trip usually travellers become volunteers, get indulge in any global project, work in their desired field or even make up a mix bag a mixture of different elements for that just perfect sabbatical.

Basically, a gap year travel venture can also be stand out as an exploration of assorted experience. Although, there are ranges of ways by which you can spend a gap year travel, from working overseas, free backpacking, creative work on various difficult projects in a foreign country, etc. But amidst all these goody-goody elucidation, let us not forget about the various unenthusiastic effects of such a long and extended trip.

We all know that during travelling any kind of constraint or hazard could play as a spoilsport. As while travelling out to some exotic destinations, problems can anytime be your visitor out on the way. It is quite an essential that travellers must feel safe and confident and their

Steffy Kermel, an ex-gap year travellers adds, “‘it is necessary to plan your spree well. Right planning and grounding can save you throughout your trip and at the end will leave you fully furnished. All you can do that is by simply taking in a Gap year travel insurance cover, which is apt enough to make your gap year the best sunshine years of your life.

Covering all your emergency requirements from medical care, loss of belongings/documents, flight cancellation/bookings, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation also provide financial assistance whenever needed.

Usually, travellers get off the idea of taking insurance cover because they think it’s a quite long-hauling process. But in actual, its not, what you all have to do is check quotes and policies of different companies. And then you can choose the one which suits the bet to your requirement.

Visit- insurancebookers.co.uk and find the best deals and cheap quotes for Gap year travel insurance.

Tracy

Amy Nutt asked:

Are you leaving the country for a vacation or holiday? Do you travel once a year and want to make sure you have insurance to cover anything that can go wrong. Some travelers will tell you to avoid travel insurance if you have enough money to cover your trip, but in reality something always goes wrong and having travel insurance can be a great help. If your vacation is less than 120 days and you only travel once a year consider purchasing single trip travel insurance and you will be ready in case of that emergency.

Many different travel insurance companies specifically carry single trip travel insurance. Single trip travel insurance will provide compensation if your need emergency medical service or your trip is canceled. Travel insurance usually carries additional benefits such as compensation if your luggage is lost or damaged or legal assistance if needed. The benefits available with your travel insurance will vary from one company to another make sure you read your insurance agreement before leaving on vacation to know exactly what issues are covered. With single trip travel insurance you can rest assured that someone will be able to assist you in the event of an emergency during your vacation.

Before you purchase single trip travel insurance it is important to do your homework. The cost for single trip travel insurance will vary among companies you want. In order to find the best deal in single trip travel insurance it is recommended you research at least three different companies and compare their insurance benefits. Most companies will provide you an instant quote and benefit statement online, all you need to do is provide your travel dates and destinations. Some companies even provide a travel insurance benefit for children free as long as there is one paying adult over the age of 18.

Each insurance company’s plans will vary slightly but generally you should get at least $10,000 in emergency medical insurance and $3,000 for trip cancellations. Make sure that the amount of trip cancellation insurance you purchase will cover all your expenses in the event you need to cancel your vacation. The insurance company should also provide you with a period where you can cancel the insurance for a full refund, this is usually 15 days after you purchase the insurance. Generally you should purchase single trip travel insurance at the same time you book and pay for your trip but be cautious on expending the money right if you expect your travel plans to change.

Even for the most seasoned traveler things will go wrong. It may be a plane that can not take off due to an emergency, a lost suitcase, or a medical issue while visiting the outer regions of a remote island. Do not take the chance that you will be stranded without any assistance or money to take care of your medical issues. Single trip travel insurance is your best travel companion and with a little research very reasonably priced.

Maurice

Simon Christopher asked:

No one likes to think that bad things will happen while you’re on holiday, but it becomes a reality for lots of travelers every year.

The right travel insurance policy can reduce the impact that injuries, illnesses, delays and lost property have on your precious holiday time. Finding the right travel insurance policy, unfortunately, is not as easy as ticking off the box next to “Do you want travel insurance?” at the travel agent. In fact, that could be the most expensive cover with the least benefits. According to Direct Line insurance, buying your travel insurance through your travel agent could cost you up to five times as much as you’d pay if you take the time to research and buy your own travel insurance policy.

Doing that requires a little knowledge beforehand though. It’s important to understand the types of medical situations that are typically covered by a holiday travel plan, and which tricks to watch out for that could leave you without the cover when you need it most. Here’s a quick guide to what to watch for when you’re comparing holiday travel insurance.

1. Watch the excess.

Excess is the amount that you must pay before your travel insurance kicks in and picks up the remainder of the cost. On the typical travel insurance policy, there’s an excess of £50 which is often counted against each incident. A few count an overall excess - they might require that you pay the first £150 of all insurable expenses on the trip no matter how many incidents are involved. This can be a vital difference. If, for instance, you stumble and fall, breaking a leg - and your expensive digital camera, along with your eyeglasses - some insurers may count that as three separate incidents, and charge you an excess for each of them, although they all stemmed from the same incident.

Solution: Consider getting a policy with an overall excess.

2. Watch the cover.

Read through the policy carefully so that you can be sure that the most important items are covered. Many policies don’t cover you for the most common losses and injuries while you’re on holiday. For instance, nearly all policies exclude injuries that happen while engaging in “winter sports”.

Solution: If you’re going on a skiing holiday, go over the policy, and if necessary, take out specific “winter sports cover” because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. Cover your baggage.

Your baggage should be insured for at least £1,500, but keep in mind that many items you commonly carry may not be covered. It’s typical for baggage insurance to exclude cover for sunglasses, mobile phones, cameras, watches, baby buggies and other expensive pieces of equipment. It’s also typical for insurers to set an upper limit for how much they’ll pay toward the loss of any one item. If your upper limit is £75 and you lose your £800 laptop, you’ll be out of luck.

Solution: Look at getting separate cover for any expensive items that you plan to take with you.

4. Cover your pre-existing conditions.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions that flare up while you’re abroad, you may find yourself responsible for all expenses related to them. Pre-existing conditions are also the most common reason for travel insurers to reject your policy. If you have a condition like angina or high blood pressure, a history of heart problems or diabetes, you might be wise to look into travel cover that takes those conditions into account and will cover you regardless. You may pay a bit extra for the premium and have a higher excess, but the peace of mind will be worth it.

Janet

Adrian Adams asked:

Although some nay-sayers may call it a fatalistic way to go about planning your vacation, the truth is: you can never be too careful when traveling. Even when you’re heading only one state away from where you live, the unexpected can happen at any moment - that’s why it’s unexpected! How can you protect yourself from these potentially harmful incidents? The most secure way to do this, wherever you travel, is through the purchase of travel insurance.

Unexpected emergencies can and do happen, and when they do, often the results can be very expensive and financially draining. Medical emergencies in a foreign country can see you paying thousands of dollars for hospital treatment, while missed or canceled flights can cost hundreds for replacement ticket. While credit cards can sometimes cover the expense, the fact is that you’ll still be paying out of your own pocket when it’s all said and done.

Medical emergencies can happen at any time, from a sprained ankle, to heat stroke, to food poisoning ‘ and often, these kinds of emergencies are unpreventable. Should you be taken to another country’s hospital or medical clinic, consider this: you’ll have to pay for emergency vehicle transportation to that hospital, you’ll lose whatever money you put forth for your vacation, you may have to pay for emergency transportation to another location ‘ whether it’s elsewhere in the country or home ‘ and you’ll be paying for whatever medical services you received. If you did not have travel insurance, you could be looking at bankruptcy or severe debt when the trip is over ‘ but with travel insurance, all those expenses could have been covered.

There is also the possibility of trip cancellation or interruption. If you have paid for a package trip to Florida that includes theme park passes, a hotel, and return flights ‘ and one of your family members is hospitalized several days before you were supposed to leave ‘ a good travel insurance plan can help cover the cancellation charges, ensuring that you don’t lose money due to an unforeseen emergency.

Trip interruption can occur if, for some reason, your flight is delayed and you miss your connection or a departing cruise ship. Instead of paying out of your own pocket to get the trip back on track, the travel insurance plan will cover those expenses. Hotel arrangements will also be taken care of, and in many cases, the cost of vacation time that you missed due to the interruption will also be reimbursed!

Whether it’s a medical emergency at home or away, or an incident due to surrounding factors that you couldn’t control, a travel insurance plan will ensure that you don’t lose the hard-earned money you paid for that vacation. After all, you’ll probably want to travel again to make up for lost time ‘ and if the insurance plan pays for those unforeseen expenses, you’ll still be able to have that vacation you always dreamed of!

Nathaniel

Sami Fab asked:

If you are an occasional traveler you’ll probably buy your insurance from the travel agent. But if you travel more than twice a year, it is much more cost effective to have one insurance lasting all year round, than buying one every time you travel.

Think ahead, plan ahead. Annual travel insurance easily pays for itself with just a couple of trips. But not all insurances are worth the same and as always cheapest is not necessarily the best. More on this later.

Annual travel insurance is not compulsory but it gives you the peace of mind case of illness and loss or damage to property and many other events. Where is the best place to buy annual travel insurance?

1. Your bank is probably the first place you’ll try. Banks have in recent times become highly competitive and in order to retain your business, may offer better rates. For example my bank has upgraded my checking account to a premium account and for that I pay $20 per month.

As a result I get several privileges including free, worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance. But here is the best part … I get all this free travel insurance not just for myself but also for any member of my family traveling with me including my parents and siblings.

I said free because I am already getting other benefits which are worth a lot more than $20 per month if I were to buy them individually. I also save a lot of time as I never have to look around for insurance. So don’t ignore your bank.

2. Credit card companies also offer similar insurances, with some added advantages. In case of theft or loss of your credit card, they will supply you with an emergency one, often within a few hours.

In addition to travel insurance offers, there is another advantage in checking your credit card company’s terms. If you book your travel using your credit card, pretty much all card companies give excellent cover against many of the things that can go wrong.

Some credit card companies also have specialist travel departments which not only give you travel discounts but also give you even better protection, i.e. better travel insurance and at a much lower cost. But note that all insurance offers exclude you making a claims, for the same item, to multiple sources even if you do have multiple insurance cover.

For example, let’s say you have bought travel insurance separately and you have bought your travel ticket using your credit card. If your luggage is lost, you can almost certainly make a claim to either of the two sources but not to both at the same time.

The reason is that the insurance companies have suffered massive fraud in recent years. Allowing multiple claims simply encourages fraudsters to have multiple insurances and make multiple false claims.

For example, they can take an already damaged suitcase on a long journey knowing that it will fall apart. They can then claim damage and loss of property from multiple insurers.

3. Insurance companies are a popular and obvious source for annual travel insurance. If you drive a car or have home insurance get a quote from your insurance company. Remember, because you are already a customer, your car insurance often entitles you to a very good discount.

Here’s a tip: if they don’t give you a competitive insurance, tell them that you will be looking else where for a good package. Let them know you will be looking for a package that includes great home insurance, excellent travel insurance and also good car insurance.

Listen, fear of loss WILL make them bend over backwards for you and if they don’t? Here’s another tip: When you talk to any other source to get your competitive travel insurance, make sure you mention your other assets that you could be insuring with them, such as your car, home, home contents, etc.

This won’t work with travel companies but works absolutely beautifully with most insurance companies. I have done it many times and saved myself thousands of dollars, yes thousands, over the last few years.

The insurance industry is massively competitive. For once, this works in favor of the “little guy” (you and me), so let’s use it.

4. Certain types of home insurance may also give annual travel cover. Do look into pretty much any insurance cover you have. Some home insurance policies include some forms of travel cover including loss or damage to your property while away from home.

Tip: even if you live with your parents, ask them to check their policy for you. You will be amazed to see that even “your” property is covered while away from home.

Just one word of caution: do not assume what is covered or the level cover. If you are not sure just ask the insurer. If the cover they describe seems even better than what you expected based on the policy document, then do ask them to put their clarification in writing.

Why? When any major loss occurs, the insurer will send a local expert to assess the damage. These guys are called loss adjustors. Their job is to save money for the insurance company. And I tell you from bitter personal experience, they take no prisoners.

They will screw you down to the ground, if you don’t get things in clear black and white writing. Just do it. It takes minutes to request clarification in writing but can save you thousands of dollars when you have one of these mean loss adjustors arguing with you over the policy.

5. You can also buy last minute travel insurance from travel agents and airlines at the airport. Expect to be taken advantage of, heavily! Needless to say, this is one of your most expensive options. Just avoid ending up with this option, see to your insurance long before you need to travel.

Now here’s the thing. Travel insurance policies are not all identical. As well as considering price, you absolutely must read the terms and conditions carefully. For example, the upper age limit of some insurance companies may vary.

Some companies may limit the number of annual trips, whilst others may have no limit at all. Look, most travel insurance policies cover a range of events and claims. But as they say, the devil is in the detail.

The problem you will definitely face with some really cheap policies from unknown and possibly disreputable companies is what they put in the fine print. You know what I’m talking about? … all those tiny little statements they put on the back of the form? Or if you are buying insurance online (and you should), notice all those pages of really small text they ask you to agree to?

Well, that’s where they bury lots of little conditions and limitations. Most people don’t read all the terms. Do yourself a huge favor and on this occasion, do read it all. If the insurance policy terms are full of “weasel words” or complex language, just move on and do not buy.

All insurance companies are quick to point out how many millions you can claim in “total”, in case of a serious accident. But they all limit the amount per item within your claim. So claims for loss of cash will be capped and so will claims for electronic devices, clothes, etc.

This means that with the cheaper policies you will have a really low limit. For example, if you claim for a mobile phone and an MP3 player, you may find that the limit on personal electronics is not enough to even pay for “one” of those devices, let alone both. Don’t wait for an unfortunate event to show you the flaws in a dirt cheap policy. That is the worst time to find out and it is a time when you need the most help.

What must all policies cover?

1. Loss or damage to property and cash

2. Flight delays or cancellation

3. Accidents

4. Sickness

5. Your expenses when an event ocurs

6. Your potential liability to other people

7. Legal services

In comparison to your total costs, annual travel insurance is only a very small item. If you are covered for any eventuality, you’ll have less to worry about, which will translate to more relaxation and enjoyment.

Jared

Michael Contaro asked:

Life is full of unexpected events- this is the basic principle which drives the insurance industry. One doesn’t really know what will happen next year, next month even tomorrow. Life is especially more riskier for people who frequently travel, and a travel insurance can really be a good thing to have. It will at least leave something for oneself, ones family and loved ones in the case of unfortunate events during traveling.

One might be skeptical in getting travel insurance simply because he thinks that it is a waste of money which can be used for something more urgent or important. However, we can never really say what will happen and it is good to be insured. In the events such as accidents, trip cancellations and lost luggage, insurance policies can really be handy. Getting vacation insurance is the first step that should be taken when planning a trip.

Types of Travel Insurance Policies

Travel insurance is availed by people who are concerned about the events that may unfold during a trip. Its not a sign of paranoia, its a mere sign that one faces the reality that he doesn’t control his life and the events that may happen.

Package

Travel insurance packages are usually designed to cover single trips. This type of insurance policy is very ideal for tours, cruises, air trips, renting vacation homes, whether they are for business or personal traveling in foreign or domestic areas.

These travel packages are usually pre bundled by the insurance companies and they provide travel coverage such as cancellation of trips, interruption of flights, delays of travel, lost of baggage and personal effects, delay of baggage, emergency evacuation, assistance for travelers and medical expenses. One can also avail optional policies which will cover accidental deaths.

These packages are usually rated against three factors ones age during application, the cost of one’s trip and the duration of the trip.

Medical

Travel insurance plans can also be designed to cover ones medical expenses if needed during the trip. There are also group health insurance plans which can be availed by a group. However, most of the insurance plans available today will only cover medical expenses in trips which are done inside the ‘coverage areas.’ It’s best to be able to ask the insurance provider regarding these things before availing a medical travel insurance policy.

Accidental death during flight

Many insurance providers give accidental flight death insurance as a part of their insurance policies. Sometimes, they give it as an option.

Listed below are some tips on how one can go about availing quality and suitable travel policies for his trips.

1. Before getting a new travel insurance policy, one should double check his existing insurance policies. There might be some coverage with regards to traveling in the existing policies that one possess and it would be a waste of money to pay for something that has already been covered.

2. Know what is the best type of insurance is best for the trip. Getting a travel insurance is really dependent on the situation of the destination and the other factors that come into play such as one’s age and health conditions.

3. Know the policy. One should know whether things like international coverage, emergency evacuation, accidental death, remains repatriation and family travel insurance are covered by the policy..

These are some tips on how to avail travel insurance. The point is life is unpredictable and it’s better to have insurance especially for travel purposes. Insurance is a real must when traveling.

Tony

Kirthy Shetty asked:

If you’re having a retired life and are looking out for a holiday package then, don’t overlook your insurance cover. It’s indispensable to get yourself insured while you travel so that if you happen to fall sick or break down due to some illness you don’t have to incur a huge medical expense in a foreign country. Avert any astronomical medical expenses. Enjoy your vacation. Look out for your options under Senior Citizen Travel Insurance cover.

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Such Insurance covers any illness or accident whilst traveling? You’re at the right place; special insurance policy such as a Senior Citizen Travel’s offers a good insurance cover for senior citizens in the age 65 to 89 years.

Other Travel Insurance covers available are:

Single Trip Insurance:

Cheap holiday insurance is available as and when you need it. Single trip cover is simple to arrange and offered at fantastic prices online.

Annual Travel Insurance:

Ideal for families, annual cover can often be cheaper than arranging single trip insurance every time. Best of all, it means you only have to think about it once and every time you go away you can relax in the knowledge that you’re protected.

Backpackers Insurance:

The longer the trip, the higher the risk of mishap and the more you’ll need to be backed by excellent cover in the event of an emergency.

Online backpackers travel insurance won’t blow your budget and covers a wide range of trips - from a month’s jaunt around Europe to your next global adventure.

Business Travel Insurance:

Business travel can be stressful, infinitely worse if something goes wrong. Stay stress-free with our cost effective and tailor made business travel insurance packages.

Golf Insurance:

Golf insurance is vital, and not only for the reasons you may imagine. In addition to the risk to themselves, golfers can accidentally cause injury to others and even damage to property. An excellent insurance deal may make your next game less expensive!

With Senior Citizen Travel Insurance avail annual multi-trip policies for people up to the age of 79. Over 65 tour insurance policies are designed for mature and retired people in UK looking for good all round holiday cover at a competitive price. Try your online route for more options.

Lee

Kirthy Shetty asked:

Any unexpected expenses during your travel abroad need to be preplanned well in advance. Travel insurance is indispensable when you are traveling to a foreign country, sometimes you are on your own and any unforeseen incidents such as accidents or illnesses will be borne by you wholly. With Travel insurance your medical expenses or any other unforeseen expenses will be covered.

It’s basically an agreement between a traveller and an insurance company by which an insurance company is obliged to cover all the losses that you may incur during the trip abroad. An insured person pays the premium either in single or multiple installments.

Which is the right time to get the travel insurance?

For frequent travelers there are more broad permanent travel insurances that protect you during all your trips that meet certain requirements. Such online travel insurance can be purchased directly from insurance companies but also from travel agents or travel companies.

What happens in case of pre-existing medical conditions?

Anyone with a serious pre-existing medical condition would find it tricky to attain a travel insurance. However, it’s not impossible, travel insurance companies exclude all claims related to pre-existing medical conditions. Some insurers will cover for pre-existing conditions without any additional premium. Other travel insurance companies may have a medical screening system, usually carried out over the telephone or online. You are asked a series of questions in order to assess the risk involved and to determine whether you can be given insurance, in such case you may have to pay an additional premium to cover the risk of pre-existing condition, or exclude any claims relating to risk.

What all am I covered for in such insurance?

The most common risks that are covered by travel insurance are flight delays, cancellations, limitations. Theft of luggage, delay or loss of personal possessions up to a certain amount when undeclared and up to any amount when declared and included in the policy is covered under such travel insurance. It will also cover for medical expenses whether due to illness or accident. This includes transportation to and from hospitals and clinics, physicians’ fees, medications, etc.

In case of death, all funeral expenses, benefits of accidental death, will be covered by the insurance. Legal coverage such as legal fees, personal liability for accidents in case you are responsible for the accident and have to bear the injured person’s medical expense. Moreover, there are other risks for which insurance can be purchased jointly or separately from a regular travel insurance contract.

If you buy a travel package to a high risk destination, chances are that the policy will already contain those clauses, the same is applicable if you hire all the services needed to perform the high risk activities from the same agent. However, you should carefully read the policy before committing to anything and make sure that you are sufficiently protected.

Larry

William Catherine asked:

Cheap Travel Insurance:

Who doesn’t want to travel to make the spare time a bit relaxing and rousing? But there are few things which one should bring into notice before stepping out for the journey. Usually holidaying is an opportunity when a person sets to enjoy all dash fun with the family members and the other dear ones. But have you ever imagined about various unforeseen hazards that could play as a spoilsport into your dream holiday. In that situation the extra expenses could make your budget lists to go much higher than the actual ratings.

Hence, it is very much essential for you to have some sort of covering while moving out for the special trip. Cheap Travel Insurance not only offers to you the sense of safety during travelling but also saves heap of money on your trips. Available under various products like single travel insurance, Gap Year Travel Insurance and others, you can choose any availability as per your requirement.

There are many people who adjourn the idea of getting travel insurance because they think it will be a bit tiring process. But this is only a false belief with many people who are not well aware about the ready to use online method where you can shop for the best suited insurance cover for yourself. Cheap travel insurance offers cover for all medical expenses, flight delays/cancellation, loss of important belongings, emergency evacuation, etc and thus makes the journey more comfortable and safe all along.

Various quotes of cheap travel insurance are available in the market and online on the internet. To the best of your convenience what you can do is simply to make a comparative study of all the quotes. As on internet you can get the most efficient tool, which will help you in making the correct decision in selecting the best policy of cheap travel insurance?

To find the best cheap travel insurance cover, visit insurancebookers.co.uk and avail maximum benefits on your policy.

Lee