Travel Insurance Is defined as a type of insurance for traveller that will pay for certain unexpected costs that may arise when you are travelling, such as emergency hospital/medical costs, trip cancellation, lost baggage and accidental death insurance.
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Travel Insurance
By Elmo Populous
If you have any kind of problem while abroad, whether it is a medical emergency, an accident where you damage someone elses property, or have some of your belongings stolen, it can cost a fortune to sort it out. For example, an air ambulance from the East coast of the USA could cost you the thick end of fifty thousand pounds. However, if you have a travel insurance policy, then you do not need to worry about the threat of a financial emergency whilst abroad.
Many people fail to take out travel insurance cover in the mistaken belief that their other insurance policies, such as health insurance or life insurance, will offer them sufficient cover abroad, when in fact this is rarely the case. A typical travel insurance policy should offer:
Emergency medical expenses cover, which includes emergency medical costs and an airlift back to the UK for further treatment if necessary
A twenty four hour emergency helpline, manned 365 days a year
Liability insurance, in case you accidentally damage property belonging to someone else
Insurance against the loss or theft of your belongings
Cancellation and curtailment insurance, in case your holiday plans go awry for whatever reason
Other things that it might cover include personal accident cover, legal expenses insurance, and financial protection against the likelihood of your airline going bankrupt before or during your holiday.
However, it is extremely rare for travel insurance policies to pay out on claims arising from drink or drug abuse. Also, if you have not taken sensible precautions against the damaging or theft of your belongings, then the insurer may not be willing to pay for replacements, so it can pay to be careful even if you are insured.
The best way to get a good deal on your travel insurance is to shop around online to find the right insurance at the right price. Avoid getting the cheapest insurance if it does not provide you with all the cover that you require, as this could turn out to be a false economy should anything go wrong on holiday.
If you are making more than one trip per year, you might want to consider taking out an annual travel insurance policy, rather than a separate policy for every trip. Not only will this save you the hassle of having to sort out travel insurance every time you leave the country, but it can also save you a lot of money as well.
For great deals on holiday insurance with a wide range of activities covered as standard, visit Go Travel Insurance.
Travel Insurance May Include Coverage For Your 'Staycation'
By Jean Andrews
With the credit crunch biting hard, many would-be overseas travellers are faced with cutting the holiday budget and staying close to home - a 'staycation' as it is now known. If you live in a country with socialised medicine, such as the UK, it may not seem important to take out travel insurance. After all, the National Health Service will take care of medical needs if an accident or illness should strike. Statistics have proven that a large percentage of car accidents occur within a few miles of home on familiar roads when we are functioning on 'auto-pilot' and not paying attention. The same phenomenon is likely to be true when taking a holiday in familiar surroundings.
Travel Insurance is not all about missed flights, airlines losing luggage, emergency medical treatment, and repatriation back to the UK. There are a host of other mishaps that are just as likely to occur close to home as they are during a week at a resort in Spain.
Theft is a growing problem throughout the world, and tourist spots everywhere are heavily targeted. You are more likely to carry expensive gadgets and valuables with you - like an iPod, iPhone and laptop during a staycation. Theft can occur from your hotel, vehicle, or rental car, or even from your beach bag while snoozing in a deck chair. The car might break down, preventing you from reaching your pre-booked hotel in time, or a family member might become sick and unable to travel. Hotels have cancellation policies, which could leave you out of pocket for the unused nights.
Most travellers are too busy or can't be bothered to read the small print in their travel insurance policy. Consequently, many travellers do not realise that the Annual Multi-trip travel insurance policy they purchased for the holiday in Spain may also include cover for a staycation. Check the terms of your particular policy, because the cover often extends to your country of domicile (your home country) when accommodation has been pre-booked in advance for two or more nights. It would be a very welcome bonus if disaster should strike.
If you plan to take two or more holidays in a year, perhaps one at home in the UK and one abroad, always consider opting for the Annual Multi-trip policy. While it is important to take out travel insurance for a trip to Spain to soak up some sun, or add on winter sports cover for the winter ski trip, many Annual policies also include cover for a staycation or weekend away in the UK.
Suppose you plan a trip to London for your anniversary and splash out on a two-night stay at a swish boutique hotel and a West End show. If an unexpected illness or covered event should cause you to cancel or curtail the trip, your Annual travel insurance policy may kick in to cover many of the associated losses. An illness or accident is not just confined to you or your partner or travel companion, it may also apply to close family members or relatives back home. This would be invaluable if it should become necessary to cancel and return home immediately. Extra caution is needed at times when a global pandemic, such as the Swine Flu, is spreading throughout the world.
You may decide to take advantage of an advertised last minute holiday package to Turkey, or take the family for a week at a holiday camp in the UK. Wouldn't it be nice to know that choosing the Annual Multi-trip policy will also provide cover if you decide later in the year to book a city break or impress your loved one with a weekend away in a romantic cottage. Accommodation in the UK is not cheap, especially during peak periods, so having to cancel or leave early could mean a significant financial loss.
Next time you book a holiday and have the choice of whether to take out a Single Trip travel insurance policy to cover that one holiday, or the Annual Multi-trip policy, consider paying a little extra for the Annual policy. That way, cover will already be in place if you find that you can afford a second holiday abroad later in the year, or decide to take off for a staycation or weekend break close to home.
Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for Travel Insurance Agencies Ltd who offer great deals on UK Travel Insurance and Travel Insurance for residents of Eire.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Andrews
Travel Insurance and Drinking Don't Mix and May Put Your Claims at Risk!
By Jean Andrews
When that long-awaited holiday arrives it is perfectly natural to want to let your hair down, relax, and even indulge in a few more drinks than normal. So... What's the problem?
Let's suppose you go out for dinner and overdo the alcohol consumption. In drunken exuberance you get up and dance naked on the table as everyone claps and cheers, and then fall off and break your leg. It could end up costing a lot more than just your pride!
You've taken out travel insurance to cover any mishaps during your trip so there's nothing to worry about, right? Wrong!
Surveys have shown that a large number of travellers go off on holiday woozily unaware that indulging in excessive drinking could give them more than just a bad hangover. If the drinking leads to an accident or incident, perhaps causing serious injuries or having valuables stolen, any resulting travel insurance claims may be denied.
Intoxication could be related to the use of alcohol or any illegal substance. However, claim statistics have shown that alcohol is the main culprit causing problems for many holidaymakers. If there is any question of a travel insurance claim being directly or indirectly related to intoxication it will be thoroughly investigated. Be aware that medical and police reports include evidence of intoxication - and don't forget the ever-present CCTV!
So, what do you do if you want to indulge in some serious partying? Hen and stag parties abroad are very popular, but usually involve heavy drinking. The harsh truth is that you are taking a risk and may end up having to cover the cost of any resulting problems out of your own pocket.
If you make the decision to drink on holiday, a few suggestions
· Drink slowly - avoid guzzling alcoholic drinks - take your time
· Avoid the temptation to chug shooters or weird cocktails on a dare
· Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach
· Avoid hard liquor and mixing drinks
· Order a jug of water or soft drinks for the table to cut down on alcohol intake
· Drink wine spritzers to make a bottle of wine last longer
So, you may ask, why do I need to buy travel insurance? Travel insurance is very important and it does the job it is designed to do, but it should never be viewed as an excuse to act irresponsibly and then expect someone else to clean up and pay for the mess. It is wise to remember that you should always behave as if not insured - and not deliberately or willingly expose yourself to injury or danger.
Your friends may think it funny if you get so drunk that you forget who you are or where your hotel is (we won't even mention losing the rental car...) but getting into such a state could be disastrous if an accident should occur.
Heavy drinking affects the senses and judgment, sometimes resulting in aggressive behaviour and even fights and injuries. Apart from physical injuries, excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to alcohol poisoning, coma, and other serious medical problems - which may all result in a hefty hospital bill, or worse. In some parts of the world you could end up in prison!
Depending on where you are in the world a broken leg could cost several hundred pounds per day in hospital fees. If an air ambulance is needed or medical repatriation is required to get you back home it could rack up to thousands of pounds - even tens of thousands.
If you plan to participate in any sporting activities such as skiing, snowboarding or water skiing, abstain from drinking - or wait until you are completely sober before even considering renting those jet skis!
So, how much drinking can you get away with for your travel insurance to cover you? Well, the answer is not clear and may even vary between insurers. Claims are handled on a case to case basis so all factors are taken into consideration. The best policy is to stay in control and, if you must indulge, keep your drinking to a minimum. Your ability to handle alcohol may also be affected by whether you drink on an empty stomach as well as your weight and gender. Drinking at altitude may also heighten the effects of alcohol.
Remember that taking out travel insurance is not a ticket to giving up all responsibility for your actions. If you should sustain injuries while intoxicated and end up in hospital you may be too numb to feel the pain. However, once you sober up and are faced with the bill for your treatment there may be no painkiller on earth strong enough to take away the pain in your wallet!
Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for Travel Insurance Agencies Ltd who offer great deals on UK Travel Insurance and Travel Insurance for residents of Eire.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Andrews
Travel Insurance and Tips to Avoid Sickness While on Holiday
By Jean Andrews
One of the biggest concerns when travelling to foreign countries is how to avoid catching bugs or a nasty case of the 'tourist trots'. It can be hard to know what is safe to eat and what should be avoided. No matter how careful you are, however, it is very easy to unwittingly expose yourself to bacteria, germs and viruses. That is one reason why taking out travel insurance is very important. Some basic awareness, plus following a few simple food hygiene tips, can help avoid a nasty case of Delhi Belly, Montezuma's Revenge, or whatever the affliction may be called in that part of the world:
- Make sure food is well cooked and very hot (to kill any bacteria present)
- Avoid food that may have been left sitting out at unsafe temperatures (i.e. buffets)
- Be wary of buying food and drinks from street vendors
- Avoid consuming sauces/condiments that have been left on tables
- Don't eat garnishes (they may have graced many plates!)
- Avoid drinking tap water, milk, and stay clear of ice cubes in drinks
- Avoid salads/lettuce (washed in water)
- Stick to sealed, bottled water or boil or purify it yourself
- Be wary of some airline food, especially if taken aboard in a foreign country
- When it comes to fruits and vegetables - if you can't peel it - don't eat it!
Be careful when consuming locally-produced drinks such as rice wine or 'arak' (several deaths occurred in Bali following ingestion of methanol-laced rice wine).
If you get sick with diarrhoea and/or vomiting it is important to stay hydrated. Sip purified water, tea or soft drinks (preferably drinks without a lot of sugar or additives). Only resort to using anti-diarrhoeal medicine when you are absolutely certain you need it, as the downside is developing constipation. Avoid drinking alcohol and eat dry food like crackers and toast until the worst is over.
In most cases, a bout of diarrhoea from contaminated food will knock you off your feet for a few days and the duration of the illness can vary. If symptoms persist or are unusually severe always seek medical help to rule out anything more serious. If outpatient tests are carried out, ask for copies to take with you and obtain receipts so that you can claim on your travel insurance. If hospitalization is required you will normally need to obtain authorization for treatment by calling the hotline provided in your travel insurance policy.
If you have been bitten by insects, especially mosquitoes, and develop suspicious symptoms like fever, chills or flu, always seek medical attention. Serious diseases like malaria take several days to incubate so symptoms may not appear until after you have returned home. If this happens arrange an appointment with your doctor and explain that you have been travelling.
A few more reminders:
- Always clean and treat cuts to avoid infection and Tetanus
- Carry a first-aid kit and hand-sanitizer with you
- Use mosquito-repellent products
- Wear light-coloured clothing to easily spot mosquitoes, ticks and bugs
- Take steps to guard against tick bites and Lyme Disease
- Be wary of swimming in fresh-water pools in tropical areas (however tempting it looks). It is possible to pick up parasitic infections like schistosomiasis from infected water
- Get all recommended vaccinations, including a Tetanus booster if needed
- Carry a list of contact numbers for the embassies in the areas you are visiting in case you need help finding an English-speaking doctor or other assistance
Other common ailments which can affect travellers include: Altitude sickness, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and serious sunburn. The latest concern to worry about is exposure to Swine Flu; if you think you may have been exposed and develop symptoms seek medical help. A good travel insurance policy should provide for emergency medical repatriation to get you back home once you are fit enough. However, always read the terms and conditions of your particular policy so that you understand the cover provided.
A wide variety of nasty bacteria and diseases may just be waiting for an unwary victim or host like you to come along, so do your research and be prepared before leaving home. It is your trip, your money, your life - so use your brain - and don't make yourself an easy target for anything to bug you!
Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for Travel Insurance Agencies Ltd who offer great deals on UK Travel Insurance and Travel Insurance for residents of Eire.
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