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1. Cancellation
It's
vital that you're covered in case you have to cancel your trip. The
policy will cover a range of reasons for doing this. These should
include the following:
• Illness or death in your family or of a business partner
• Jury service
• Serious fire, flood or storm damage to your home or business premises
• A request from the police not to go away following a burglary at your
home or office
You should be able to reclaim any travel costs you cannot recover, apart
from the cost of insurance. Make sure the policy covers both yourself
and your travel companions.
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2. Medical Expenses
It's
vital you are covered for medical expenses, as hospital and doctors'
bills can be enormous, especially in North America.
Most policies require you to pay a small excess towards the cost of
treatment and medicines, but will also pay benefits - up to a set limit
- if you have to stay in hospital.
If you travel within the EU you should get form EHIC from a Post office.
This will entitle you to reciprocal health service care in the countries
you visit. However, few EU countries pay for the full cost of treatment,
and you're likely to be treated in a private clinic or hospital, so it's
important to have your own insurance. Remember to keep all doctors',
hospital and chemists' bills to support any claim you make.
Your policy should also cover you for any extra accommodation or travel
expenses you incur as a result of illness, or if you have to go home
early because of the illness or death of a close relative or business
partner.
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3. Personal Accident Cover
Personal accident cover will pay out if you are killed or permanently
disabled on your trip - for example, if you lose a limb or your
eyesight.
A few simple precautions will help to keep you safe - follow them, and
you'll reduce your risk considerably.
• Keep away from dangerous areas, especially at night
• Don't spend too long in the sun - wear a hat and use plenty of sun
block
• Don't go swimming after a large meal or drinking alcohol
• Check the local conditions before swimming in the sea - tides and
currents can be extremely deceptive
• If you're planning any long distance walking, always inform someone of
your plans, and your expected arrival times
• If you're driving your own car, always have a servicing before you go
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4. Personal Liability
Most
travel policies will insure you against personal liability. This means
that if you injure someone or damage their property, you will be covered
if they decide to sue you.
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5. Legal Expenses
Some
policies will pay your legal costs if you decide to sue a third party
for damages as a result of personal injury or death.
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6. Personal Belongings
Your
insurance should cover your personal belongings and cash against loss or
damage. However, insurance companies expect you to look after your
possessions at all times - you may have problems trying to claim for a
camera you left on the beach which was stolen when you went for a quick
dip.
Most policies impose a limit to the cover on any one item. So it might
be worth adding 'all risks' cover to your household contents insurance
and valuables like jewellery or cameras.
Some policies pay a set amount for the loss of a passport. This should
cover any extra travel and accommodation expenses you incur to get it
replaced.
If you lose or have something stolen, report the incident to the local
police within 24 hours, and get written conformation that you have done
this.
Follow these tips for a thief-free trip:
• Don't leave your belongings unattended
• Never leave valuables on show in your car
• Always leave valuables in a hotel safe or safe deposit box
• Keep money, documents and valuables with you when travelling
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7. Delays and Missed Departure
Most
policies will compensate you if your luggage is delayed for more than
twelve hours on your outward journey. This will enable you to buy
replacement items, but don't forget to keep the receipts for everything
you buy.
You may also receive a lump sum if your departure is delayed or if you
miss your flight for a valid reason. This should cover any travel
expenses you incur in reaching your final destination.
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8. Annual Cover
If you
travel frequently on business, you should consider annual travel
insurance.
This type of insurance is based on a yearly fee regardless of the number
of the number of trips you make, and can be a lot cheaper than taking
out separate cover every time you travel.
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9. Extended Stays
A
number of insurance companies offer policies that cater for people who
take long-stay winter holidays and round-the-world trips.
However, before you go, check your household contents insurance. Some
policies stipulate that homes should not be left empty for more than 30
days without informing the insurer.
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10. Hazardous Pursuits
More
and more holidays offer the opportunity to enjoy a range of action
pursuits. Bungee jumping, scuba diving, parascending and motorcycling
are typical of the sort of activity you might be offered, so talk to
your broker, who will be happy to arrange an extension to your cover.
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11. Winter Sports
You'll
need a specialist policy if you're going on a winter sports holiday.
This will probably cost twice as much as normal holiday cover, due to
the greater risk of claims for medical expenses, personal accident,
piste closure and ski equipment.
It's vital that you have adequate cover for medical expenses - it can
cost hundreds of pounds simply to stretcher an injured skier off the
slopes. Personal liability insurance is essential in case you injure
someone else.
If you plan to go 'off-piste' check that your policy allows you to. You
might also need specialist cover if you go ski-jumping or bobsleighing.
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12. Permanent or Recurring Illness
If you
suffer from a permanent or recurring illness, you must tell your
insurer. Some companies cater specifically for people in this situation,
but they may request a letter from your doctor saying that you are fit
to travel. You won't get cover if you have been advised against
travelling, are within the last two months of pregnancy, or are
travelling to obtain medical treatment abroad.
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13. Motoring Abroad
If
you're planning to take your car abroad, you must have adequate
insurance before you leave the country.
UK motor insurance provides the minimum cover required by the EU and
certain other countries. However, this will not be enough if you have an
accident. Nor will it cover you for theft, fire or damage to your
vehicle, and it may not cover your legal liabilities to other people.
So make sure you have the same level of cover that you have in the UK.
Check your policy carefully, as some insurers provide free continental
cover for a limited period each year.
Green Card
Under
European law, it is no longer compulsory to have a Green Card, which
shows that your policy meets the minimum legal requirements of the
countries in the scheme. However, a Green Card can still save time and
problems if you need to provide evidence of your insurance. It is also
advisable to have a Euro Accident Claim.
Accidents
Should
you be involved in an accident, you must tell your insurer or their
representative in the country immediately. Many companies issue a
European Accident Statement - this is printed in several languages, and
allows drivers to exchange facts without admitting liability.
Breakdown
Even
with an extended policy, you might not be covered if your car breaks
down, but you can buy a vehicle breakdown policy either with your travel
insurance or separately. This should cover you for the cost of a hire
car while yours is being repaired, as well as roadside assistance, the
cost of delivering spare parts and of returning your car home.
Theft Precautions
Don't
forget that your car may be targeted by car thieves, so always lock it,
don't leave valuables on show, keep your car documents with you and use
an anti-theft device.
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14. BEWARE THE PITFALLS!
Apart
from the exclusions mentioned above, there are a number of pitfalls to
avoid.
• If you injure yourself while under the influence of drink or drugs,
your policy is unlikely to pay up.
• If you're pregnant, you might not be covered for any complications
that arise, and there will be a cut off date.
• Medical expenses and personal accidents caused as a result of war are
also excluded in many policies.
• Any claim you make against your household insurance - for example if
you have something stolen while away on business or holiday - will risk
losing your no claims bonus.
• Many insurers claim part of any payment for possessions lost or
damaged abroad from your household insurers, which can lead to the loss
of your no claims bonus.
Where to go for advice
Before
choosing your travel insurance, always consult a BIBA insurance broker
or intermediary. As an independent expert, they will be able to help you
through the maze of covers available, and choose the right insurer for
your needs at the most reasonable cost.
By law, registered brokers have to put your interests first. You can be
sure that they will provide you with impartial advice, and a choice of
products.
BIBA - the British Insurance Brokers' Association - is the country's
leading association for insurance brokers. All its members offer the
highest professional standards and financial integrity, and place the
interests of their clients above all else.
Click here to select a BIBA BROKER
Your Personal Checklist
To help you organise an enjoyable and trouble-free trip, follow a number
of simple rules:
Before you go:
• Cancel the milk and papers
• Ask the neighbours to keep an eye on your home, and remove any free
papers and circulars
• Use a time-switch to turn on some lights at night
• Lock all your doors and windows
• Advise your household insurer if you're planning a long trip abroad
Remember to take:
• Passports, visas, tickets, money, traveller's cheques
• The number of your insurance company's 24 hour helpline
• Details of any private medical cover you hold
• Details of your vehicle breakdown cover
If you are driving abroad:
• A spare set of car keys
• Your vehicle insurance documents, including a Euro accident form
• Driving licence and registration document
• GB sticker · Warning triangle
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Tool kit and spare light bulbs
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