With summer 2023 fast approaching, millions are finalising plans and preparing to jet-set across the globe. After all the planning and itinerary building, triple checking passport expiration dates and ensuring you have the correct immunisations for any exotic getaway, there’s always that feeling that you might have forgotten to do something.
With most things, that’s okay; after all, you can buy mosquito spray, sunglasses or extra clothes when you get there – what you must not forget is travel insurance.
Below is an outline of some of the main covers you should consider before you go travelling; the degree of this cover will depend on where you are vacationing and what you plan on doing there.
Medical expenses
The most common reason for sourcing travel insurance is to cover the potentially extortionate medical expenses that you can be susceptible to abroad but there is more to it. Medical and Repatriation expenses are arguably the most important sections of a travel insurance policy; they can cover everything from the transportation to the hospital in the event of injury to transport back home if medically necessary.
With Medical Expenses Cover, insurers will reimburse you in the event that you are injured or become ill during an insured trip. This covers costs for medical, surgical or other remedial attention or treatment given and all losses incurred, such as ambulance and hospital charges. If you are partaking in high-risk activities such as skiing, potholing or deep-sea diving, ensure you declare these appropriately as it will impact the extent of this cover and the costs the insurer will reimburse.
An additional element of this cover is Repatriation Cover which covers the cost of transporting someone back to the UK in the case that yourself or a person you are travelling with becomes seriously ill or injured in whichever transport is deemed most suitable. This includes hotel and travel costs incurred in the event of necessary repatriation due to sudden and unexpected death, serious injury, or illness – an important part of this section that many people are unaware of is the transportation of an insured person’s remains or ashes back to the UK; this can be both costly and emotionally devastating to families if not covered.
Cancellation or Curtailment Cover
Cancellation Cover – a policy that’s importance was necessitated grossly during the pandemic – is a section of travel insurance which covers you in the event that you have to cancel a trip as a result of a number of covered scenarios. The policy schedule and wording will state the amount of unused or irrecoverable costs you can claim back should you have to cancel a trip. These irrecoverable costs can include loss of deposits, balances paid in full or due to be paid and can apply to accommodation, travel and non-refundable excursions or attractions.
Curtailment cover will protect you should your holiday or any activities planned on your trip be cut short due to insured events like illness and injury to yourself or a close relative. Generally speaking, curtailment cover entitles you to claim back a certain proportion of pre-paid elements, for example, accommodation, excursions and car hire should you have to return home prior to using them.
The following is a brief list of scenarios in which cancellation or curtailment cover could reimburse the insured person:
– Death, serious injury or illness to an insured person, close relative or travel companion and also a person whose service they are using for stay or travel
– If an insured person is called for jury service, required to be a witness in the court of law or who’s presence is required by the police following an event such as a burglary at their home
– If a person is involuntarily made redundant, is compulsorily quarantined within the operative period of the policy or who’s house is rendered uninhabitable by fire, storm, or flood
It is always wise to consult an expert advisor when purchasing travel insurance as they will be able to both direct you to the correct and most valuable form of cover and understand the small print and know what the exclusions and terms and conditions entail. This means you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
When travelling, always ensure you take your insurance policy details with you, including the policy number and the emergency assistance numbers of your insurer. It is also wise to share the policy details with the people you are travelling with in the case that they need to contact the insurance company on your behalf.
At McClarrons Affinity, we are familiar with the various travel insurance covers you should consider and look out for. Whether you are concerned about suffering an injury abroad, experiencing interruptions to your trip, or wish to protect any belongings for damage or theft, we can provide you with a comprehensive insurance solution. To speak with a Travel Insurance Specialist, click here or call us on 01653 609084.
Author: Lindsey Chapman, Account Executive
Tel: 01653 609084
Email: lindsey.chapman@mcclarroninsurance.com
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