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Your Insurance Policy - An Important Holiday Essential

In the not too distant past, anyone thinking about going on holiday simply went along to the travel agent, told them where they wanted to go and when and then paid their deposit! Everything was arranged for them. Then, around six weeks before departure, they paid the balance, got their tickets and documents (including the travel insurance policy) and started counting down the days. But that was then€¦

These days, many people prefer to make their own arrangements through the Internet, hoping to create their perfect holiday and of course to grab the best bargains. One interesting aspect of a travel agency was that it typically didn't treat travel cover as an option that you had to make a decision about - it was just there built in to the price.

One of the problems with today's do-it-yourself approach is that there may be a tendency to side step the issue of an insurance policy at the time, or even to just shelve it altogether. That may prove to be a serious mistake that could leave you remembering that dream holiday for all the wrong reasons!

But what could possibly go wrong?

Well, unfortunately, plenty! Let's imagine a scenario where you slip on some seaweed while clambering over some rocks on the beach and are carted off to hospital with a broken leg. You may be thinking how fortunate that you remembered to apply for an EHIC before you left. However, you may find that your EHIC doesn't provide the cover and the care that you'd expect in the UK. It only provides for the same level of care that locals would get in the country you are visiting, and many of these locals will have a separate health insurance policy to cover those things the state provision doesn't. These could include X-rays, some surgeries, some medications and perhaps even ambulance charges.

For a holidaymaker, though, the situation could be even worse if you had to be repatriated at your own expense.

Other memorable aspects of your holiday (for all the wrong reasons) could be and of the following.

€ The baggage that went missing and only turned up the day before you were due to fly home.

€ Losing your passport and travellers cheques and having to curtail your spending for the rest of your holiday.

€ Being out of pocket hanging around waiting for hours because of travel delays.

€ Perhaps having to cancel your bookings altogether because a close family member was taken seriously ill.

Without proper holiday insurance these may all be things that you just have to live with - including what could be serious financial consequences. So, when you look at the comparative costs of travel insurance, you may find that taking the risk and doing without it is just not worth the hassle.

Don't take any chances when it comes to your perfect holiday; make sure your holiday essentials list of things to do has a travel insurance policy right up there at the top!

Author : Patrick Chong

Understanding Personal Liabilities in Terms of Family Holiday Insurance

It's a fair bet that if you ask anyone about the cover provided by family holiday insurance the main areas they highlight are likely to be things like these listed below.

€ Health cover to top up the protection provided by an EHIC for a family in countries where emergency health care provision is not as comprehensive as the UK equivalent.

€ Travel delays - where you suffer serious inconvenience and may need to fund temporary accommodation etc.

€ Lost or stolen baggage - to provide funds to replace essential items until such time as your baggage is recovered.

€ Cancellations - where you have had to cancel your holiday due to the death or illness of a close family member or perhaps from being made redundant.

These certainly are all very important reasons why family holiday insurance should be something that you would not consider leaving to chance when planning your holiday.
There is another area, though, where this type of cover can provide vital protection for you, and that's in situations where you or a member of your family causes serious injury to another person or damage to their property. If the injured third party decides that you or members of your group are to blame for their predicament, they may decide to sue you for damages.

If their claim results in a decision in their favour, you could be left with the prospect of finding a substantial sum of money to settle the award against you. You may also be required to fund their costs and expenses, as well as any that you may have incurred defending the claim. As many people may be all too well aware, modern society seems to be becoming extremely litigious, and family holiday insurance policies that can provide six figure sums of financial protection in these circumstances are not unusual.

If you are in the fortunate position of being able to benefit from more than one holiday per year, having cover is all the more important. That doesn't necessarily mean though that you have to go through the process of purchasing a new policy on each occasion. In addition to a single trip policy, many providers of this type of cover will also offer an annual option, saving you both time and effort. You may also find that an annual policy may be a more cost effective option than buying individual policies as and when you need them.

Over recent years there has been a major increase in the number of people arranging their own holidays as opposed to going to a travel agent and getting everything done for them. One consequence of this is the inclination to regard family holiday insurance as an option that can be sacrificed to save a bit of money. That is definitely a false economy: you need cover, end of story!

Author : Patrick Chong

Why Family Holiday Insurance Is So Important

It's not just the budget conscious travellers who may have second thoughts about whether or not to purchase family holiday insurance before setting off on holiday.
After all, the chances are you're just not going to need it. Well maybe not, but the thing about any form of insurance is that it's there to protect you from the financial consequences of the unexpected actually happening.

So, what types of protection can a policy typically offer?

Health

Perhaps one of the most important considerations when you travel abroad on holiday is what would happen if you or a member of your family were to fall ill. It is important to note that even if you have an EHIC (freely available from the NHS but valid for the EU and associated European countries only) this will only provide you with the same level of free medical treatment that citizens of the country you are visiting are entitled to. This is unlikely to be as extensive as the free care and treatment you may be used to in the UK.

You may find yourself being asked to pay significant sums, particularly if surgery or repatriation is required. Other expenses, like your accommodation should you need to stay behind at the end of your holiday to be close to a sick child for example, would simply not be covered at all if you had no family holiday insurance.

Cancellation

If you have to cancel your holiday in situations where a close family member has been taken ill, or perhaps if you have been made redundant, appropriate family holiday insurance will allow you to get reimbursement for monies paid out.

Travel delays

Your travel plans may be hit by strikes, bad weather or severe traffic conditions. In the worst case, severe delays may lead you to having to cancel your holiday completely, while at the very best you may be facing out of pocket expenses for snacks, drinks and even accommodation until you can finally set off.

Baggage and personal item issues

Getting to your destination should be the start of a great couple of weeks for you and your family, but not if you are in one place and your baggage is in another, or if it has perhaps been stolen. A policy will typically cover the costs of you being able to purchase essential items to allow you to continue with your holiday. The loss or theft of personal items such as passports, travellers' cheques and cash can be similarly covered.

Car hire excess

With any car rental agreement, there is likely to be a fairly hefty excess charge for certain types of damage to the vehicle; this can leave you with a significant charge to your credit card for repairs to a car that isn't even yours. A good comprehensive policy can provide a financial buffer in these situations.

These are just some of the scenarios that could have a negative impact on your holiday, but the peace of mind that having cover can bring can never be overestimated - particularly when you are trying to relax and get away from your everyday cares and worries.

You may find that, when viewed against other factors like the overall cost of your holiday, the potential benefits that family holiday insurance provides may end up making it seem like an indispensable part of your planning. And it is.

Author : Patrick Chong

5 Travel Insurance Myths You Should Ignore

Family holiday insurance is something that should be considered essential when you go on holiday overseas. Without it, you could find yourself in serious difficulties should one of your family require medical or hospital treatment. It can also be very convenient if you lose personal items or have to cancel any component of your trip. However, there are a number of myths that could affect which policy you choose, so you should be aware of these before you travel.

1. All Policies Are the Same

If you think that all family holiday insurance policies are the same, think again. Although many contain similar types of cover, such as for medical assistance and trip cancellation, they can differ enormously. Some may provide cover for certain medical conditions, some may have age restrictions, some may only have the most basic level of cover, and there are many other differences between them. That is why it is so important to choose your policy carefully.

2. You Only Need an EHIC

There is a misconception that an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is all you will need if you travel to a European country. Although it can be useful, it is not a replacement for comprehensive family holiday insurance. It only covers medical care, and it does not provide repatriation should you need a medical team to transport you home, which could cost thousands of pounds. So by all means take your EHIC, but don't use it as a substitute for a full policy.

3. Single-Trip Is Always Cheaper than Multi-Trip

Although it is usually the case that single-trip cover is cheaper than multi-trip cover for one trip abroad, it is not always the case because it depends upon the provider. In addition, it may turn out to be less expensive to get a multi-trip policy if you plan to travel abroad a few times in the same year.

4. Minor Medical Conditions Do Not Need to Be Declared

Even if you only have a minor medical condition, you should still declare this when you buy your policy. It may be that your cover will not be affected, but this is up to the provider. If your insurer does not provide cover for your condition, you may need to buy extra to ensure you will be able to get financial assistance should you require medical attention.

5. It Is Too Expensive and Too Complicated

These days, a good policy is not only very simple to arrange but it can also be a lot less expensive than you imagine. Check out some online providers and you will soon see that it is very easy to arrange cover.

Try to ignore these common myths when you buy your family holiday insurance policy this year. Instead, focus on looking for a policy that is absolutely suitable for you and your family, and provides you with everything you need - so you can focus on enjoying yourself rather than worrying about what could go wrong.

Author : Patrick Chong

When Will Travel Insurance for Family Members Not Pay Out?

Getting travel insurance for family members is a must if you plan to go abroad. The protection provided can shield you from a wide range of unexpected problems, from medical emergencies to last-minute cancellations due to reasons beyond your control.

Any kind of policy, however, has its limitations. Travel insurance for family groups is usually pretty generous, but there are some situations where you may unexpectedly have to foot the bill on your own.

1. Trekking above designated heights - make sure to check your policy on just how high you can go hiking. Some packages will only cover accidents if they occur under a certain height limit, typically below 1,000 metres. If you plan to go trekking past that, then you need to check the contract and see if there is coverage beyond a certain height. You may be able to pay an additional premium so you and your family will be protected when going higher.

2. Scuba diving below designated depths - going deep under water is just as risky - if not more so - than climbing a high mountain. You need to check your contract once more to find out just how far you can go while still being covered. You can typically dive deeper if you are qualified and dive with a qualified instructor, but you will once again have to check your contract to find out your provider's policies on this issue.

3. Going on risky, unplanned excursions - it is very important that you list the adventuring or sporting events you plan to undertake with your family. Travel insurance for family members will typically not cover accidents if they occur while undertaking some sort of extreme sport, spelunking activity or sometimes even horse riding - at least not if you don't pay an additional premium for expanded coverage and you do these activities under the watchful eye of a licensed professional.

4. Incidents related to alcohol misuse - the excessive intake of alcohol could be enough for your insurer to refuse a pay out, which is why it is never a good idea to get smashed while out on holiday with your family. If you must absolutely inebriate yourself, then at least do so in a safe environment where you will be most unlikely to harm yourself or anyone else.

5. Missing Inbound Flights - travel insurance for family members typically covers missed departures from your home country, in this case the UK, if this happens due to events out of your control. You do have to carefully inspect your contract, though, as some providers do not provide for missed flights coming back to the UK. If this is not included in the contract, then chances are you won't be compensated for a missed inbound flight.

Keep all these in mind and you will be able to better balance between budget and protection as you choose between the various providers.

Author : Patrick Chong

4 Top Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance for Family Trips

Insurance policies have become a part of everyday life. Advertisers caution us at every turn and options surround us everywhere. There are opportunities to get coverage for everything from our houses to our boats and even our animals.

But when money is tight, it can be tempting to forgo cover for that long awaited, long saved-for holiday. It can be tempting to dismiss the need to pay for premiums for unforeseeable risks as pandering to fear, and just ignore common sense and hope for the best. However, there are so many compelling reasons to get a good policy in place before you set off on your travel. Here are just a few aspects to consider.

What risks do you face?

The primary reason to get cover is that, sadly, the risks are very real. Your travel insurance for family trips has one simple function - protection for you and your belongings. Whether you are taking a short break to an island paradise or a life-changing adventure to a far-flung corner of the world, simply being in a new and unfamiliar place means there are risks you need to accept. However, the right policy can give you peace of mind. You'll know that in the event of theft, injury, accident or problems with your itinerary you will have remuneration and support. Accurately weighing up potential risks will inform you about the time and money you should invest in picking the right plan.

What options can you get?

Choosing travel insurance for family holidays is not about fear; it is about accurately assessing risk, peace of mind, and exploring unique extras that many companies now provide. From golf cover to cruise cover, there are many ways you can stretch your policy to suit your lifestyle. Moreover, many companies give you perks and the choice of twenty-four hour emergency contact to further boost the plan you invest in.

What about cheap and easy cover?

Fundamentally, people want the hassle take out of cover, and providers have realised this. Many of the best companies give you the option of travel insurance for family trips that is easy to manage and easy on the wallet. Being able to survey quick and accurate online quotes and read summaries of conditions means much of the perceived stress of investigation is removed. Moreover, the fact that you can choose a policy that fits you - multiple trips, a single journey, or a long adventure - means you can tailor your policy to suit you. You do not need to pay for what you won't need.

What about peace of mind?

Ultimately, as mentioned, purchasing travel insurance for family breaks is all about peace of mind. Since you wouldn't put a price on the time and money you would spend helping your family in the advent of robbery, injury or mishap, then surely you wouldn't begrudge spending a little time and money on choosing the right cover?

Author : Patrick Chong

How to Select Travel Insurance for Family Holidays

Choice can be a strange curse. Too little and you can get frustrated, too much and you may face the pressure of needing to discriminate between similar options. This problem of choice can certainly invade holiday plans. Preparation for a trip can be stressful enough that it you almost need a second vacation to recover from it! As well as the choice of season and destination, it is often hard to wade through the choice of travel insurance for family holidays. Here are some tips that may help.

Consider the breadth of coverage

One of the first things to think about when considering travel insurance for family trips is the extent of your cover. Does it go beyond the basics of accidents and theft? What additional extras does it provide - such as cruise cover or golfing gear cover - and which ones do you really need? The value in shopping around is that many quality providers are backed by larger insurers and give you competitive rates with benefits such as twenty-four hour emergency contact, excess waivers and free cover for children. Since you are considering your wallet as well as the safety of your loved ones and their belongings, it is worth spending time to measure the breadth of coverage that you will need.

Consider the type of trip

Another issue to ponder is the duration of your trip. Are you planning a quick stint to Mallorca's beaches or a long awaited adventure to South America? Depending on the frequency of your travel over the year and the length of each trip, you will have different needs. The better providers will tailor their plans to suit your options so you won't be tied to a policy that you don't need.

Consider the reliability of a quote

One of the great steps forward by insurers has been the legitimacy and speed of the online quote. They recognise that purchasing travel insurance for family trips should be as easy as possible. However you do need to spend time considering whether the provider that gives you a fast quote is also reliable. There is little point in finding out the catches in the small print once you've already lost your bags in South America or sprain your ankle on a boat off the coast of Thailand, for example.

Consider how not to need it

The most important reason that you need to purchase travel insurance for family trips lies in not needing it at all. If you have the best cover and never need to call upon it then you can consider that one aspect of your trip that went smoothly! But you'll never regret putting the time and money into choosing the right policy, simply due to the peace of mind you'll enjoy. Wise planning concerning your destination, health, belongings and itinerary will go a long way in making sure you never need to make a claim on your policy, but since the unforeseen does happen (and often), your mind will be at ease with the right policy in place.

Author : Patrick Chong