Dos and Don’ts

When planning a trip, securing the right travel insurance is an essential step that can safeguard against unforeseen events and provide peace of mind. Whether you're embarking on a quick weekend getaway or a long-term international adventure, understanding the nuances of travel insurance policies is crucial.

This article will guide you through essential dos and don'ts, offering expert tips to ensure you're adequately protected and prepared for your journey. From comprehending policy details to knowing what to avoid, our insights will help you make informed decisions to suit your travel needs.

Travel Insurance - Do’s

Before embarking on your travels, it is crucial to take certain steps that can optimise your travel insurance experience. In this section, we provide you with practical "Dos" on the actions you should consider when purchasing travel insurance.

Do Check Your Holiday Start and End Dates

When purchasing a travel insurance policy, it's crucial to ensure your holiday start and end dates are accurate. For Single Trip policies, some benefits like Cancellation Cover activate from the purchase date, while others only begin on your holiday's start date. Therefore, when buying your policy, confirm that your holiday start date matches your departure from home, not your arrival at the destination (if they're different). Similarly, the policy's end date should align with your return home.

For Annual Multi-Trip policies, protection begins on a date you select and lasts for 12 months. If you have already booked your trip, it’s best practice to start your policy as soon as possible to secure protection against any potential issues, rather than starting from the commencement of your holiday.

Do Check Your Cover Limits and Excesses

When buying your travel insurance, make sure to confirm whether both the cover limits and excess amounts are suitable for your needs. For example, ensure your cancellation cover limit is enough to cover your entire trip.

Cover amounts are usually per person and should be sufficient to cover your transport, accommodation, and – if your policy includes it – any pre-paid excursions and visas. Additionally, be aware of your excess amounts to avoid unexpected costs.

READ MORE: Excesses Explained

Do Get a Travel Insurance Quote Before You Book Your Holiday

Before booking your holiday, it's wise to get a travel insurance quote to estimate the potential costs associated with unforeseen events. Some destinations, such as the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean, can often be more costly due to higher healthcare expenses, especially for people with pre-existing health conditions.

Having an idea of these costs in advance can help you budget better and ensure peace of mind while travelling, allowing you to fully enjoy your holiday knowing you're protected against unexpected financial burdens.

Do Add Your Travelling Companions to Your Travel Insurance Policy

Add your travelling companions to your policy to ensure they are also covered in case of any trip disruptions. If you or any pre-existing medical conditions lead to complications during your journey, your companions can file claims as well.

This means that whether it's a sudden illness or an unexpected medical issue that affects your plans, everyone in your travel group is protected and can benefit from the policy.

READ MORE: Guide to Travelling as a Group

Do Add Optional Covers (if needed)

If you are planning a cruise or a winter sports holiday, it’s essential to ensure that your travel insurance policy includes Cruise or Winter Sports Cover. These special covers provide additional protection tailored to the unique risks associated with cruising and winter sports activities.

For instance, Cruise Cover might offer support for missed departures, cabin confinement, or itinerary changes, while Winter Sports Cover could include protection for ski equipment, ski passes, and even off-piste skiing with a guide.

In most cases, standard travel insurance policies do not automatically include these specialised covers, which means failing to request them could leave you financially vulnerable in the event of an accident, illness, or other unforeseen circumstance during your trip.

Do Let Your Provider Know About All the Destinations You Will Be Visiting

When purchasing your travel insurance, it's important to include all the countries you plan to visit as part of your trip, regardless of how long you will be staying in each location. This includes any brief layovers. For example, if you have a layover for just a day in a country, you should still include this destination in your insurance quote.

However, you only need to specify the countries where you will be leaving the airport and entering the country. It's always a good idea to double-check policy details, as different insurers may have varying requirements and definitions of cover for layovers and transits.

Do Try Single Trip Policies

If you are finding it difficult to obtain a quote for an Annual Multi-Trip policy, consider adjusting your criteria to request a Single Trip policy instead. Often, travel insurance providers have a wider range of options and more competitive pricing for Single Trip policies.

This change could not only simplify the process but might also offer you protection tailored to your specific travel plans. Additionally, a Single Trip policy could potentially cover all the essential aspects of your journey, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, without the commitment of an annual plan.

Do Remember to Pack Your Policy Documents

Make sure to either pack your physical policy documents or download an electronic version to your smartphone before you travel. Having easy access to your insurance policy details is crucial in case of emergencies or when you need to make a claim.

With these documents on hand, you can quickly contact your insurer if any issues arise during your trip, such as lost luggage, medical emergencies, or travel delays. This preparation ensures you have all the necessary information to efficiently communicate with your insurer and resolve any potential problems while you are away.

Travel Insurance - Don’ts

Simply purchasing a policy isn’t enough – there are common pitfalls you must avoid to ensure your cover remains effective. In this section, we explore some critical "Don’ts" when it comes to travel insurance.

Don't Leave Your Travel Insurance for the Last Minute

Booking travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday (ASAB) is a wise move. This early protection ensures you're protected in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel before your trip even begins.

This way, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you're safeguarded against potential disruptions, allowing you to focus on planning the exciting aspects of your travel.

READ MORE: When to Buy Travel Insurance

Don't be Dishonest About Your Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

When applying for travel insurance, it is imperative to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions accurately. Failure to communicate this information can lead to significant complications down the road, including denial of cover in the event of a medical emergency.

Insurers use the health information provided to assess risk and determine policy terms; as such, honesty is critical to ensure your policy is valid. While this may affect the premium you pay, it guarantees peace of mind knowing that you are adequately protected during your travels.

Don't Leave Out Old Medical Conditions

Travel insurers aim to gather a comprehensive understanding of your medical history to assess you accurately. This means they will require you to disclose whether you have ever experienced certain medical conditions, such as cancer, heart conditions, anxiety, and depression, among others.

Even if you are currently no longer receiving treatment or these conditions were from years ago, insurance providers will still require this information. This detail helps them evaluate potential risks and determine cover options.

READ MORE: Which Medical Conditions Do I Need to Declare?

Don't Travel Uninsured

Travel insurance is incredibly important, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions that might require attention while you're away. Medical costs abroad can be extremely expensive, and even a simple treatment could result in a bill running into the thousands.

Additionally, it's crucial not to assume that your GHIC/EHIC will fully replace the need for travel insurance. While the GHIC/EHIC cards do grant you access to necessary medical assistance in many European countries, they do not always cover the entire cost of the treatment.

You may still be required to pay out-of-pocket for certain services or medications, and these expenses can add up quickly, especially in emergencies. Should you need to be repatriated home, your GHIC/EHIC will not cover this either.

READ MORE: GHIC, EHIC and Travel Insurance

Don't Forget to Keep Your Insurance Provider Informed

When taking out travel insurance, it's crucial to keep your insurance provider informed if your circumstances change. This includes any alterations to your travel plans, such as extended trips or destination changes, as well as health-related updates. If you develop a new medical condition or experience changes in an existing condition, letting your insurer know is essential.

Failure to update your insurer could lead to complications down the line. If they are unaware of changes in your situation, any claims you make might be rejected, leaving you without financial support when you need it most. In some cases, not informing your insurer could result in your entire policy being declared void, leaving you unprotected.

Don't Base Your Travel Insurance Solely on Price

While we all love finding a bargain when shopping for travel insurance, basing your decision solely on price can be risky. Although some insurance policies might be quite affordable, you could end up underinsuring yourself and face challenges if an unexpected situation arises. It's crucial to thoroughly assess the cover, terms, and conditions of each policy to ensure they align with your specific travel needs and potential risks.

Consider aspects like medical protection, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and emergency assistance. If you find a policy that covers everything you need and still comes at a low price, then you've hit the jackpot - a great deal that doesn’t compromise your peace of mind.

READ MORE: Travel Insurance Premiums

Don't Avoid Reading Your Policy Documents

While it might not be the most thrilling activity, setting aside time to thoroughly read through your policy documents is crucial for understanding what your policy covers and in what circumstances you can make a claim. By reviewing these documents, you not only gain clarity on your cover but also familiarise yourself with the specific terms, conditions, and limitations that may apply.

Additionally, reading your documents carefully helps you identify where to find essential information, such as emergency contact numbers and step-by-step instructions for filing a claim, which can be invaluable in a crisis. Taking these steps ensures that you are well-prepared and informed, providing peace of mind and reducing stress when dealing with unexpected events.

Don't Forget to Check the Latest FCDO Advice

Before jetting off on holiday, it's important to take a moment to check the latest government advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The FCDO provides crucial information on safety, travel restrictions, and local laws in various destinations worldwide. Ensuring you're informed about potential risks or advisories can help you plan a safer trip.

Most, if not all, travel insurance policies will not provide cover if you travel to a country against the advice of the FCDO. This means that any incidents occurring in such destinations may leave you unprotected financially, highlighting the importance of staying updated with their guidance before and during your travels.

Navigating the intricacies of travel insurance is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. By comprehensively understanding your policy, keeping your insurer informed of any changes, and staying updated with the latest government advice, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that you are well-protected.

While it may require some extra effort, the security and assurance provided by a well-chosen travel insurance policy far outweigh the potential risks of unforeseen expenses or emergencies. Thorough preparation and thoughtful planning will allow you to focus on creating unforgettable memories on your travels.

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