Travel Insurance UK

Are you looking for travel insurance but can't decide what to buy? Rest assured, this article will help you understand a little bit more about travel insurance. Travel insurance is good to have when travelling — but don't just buy any insurance policy.

What you need to know about Travel Insurance

A lot of high-street travel agents offer a range of insurance policies. But did you know that just about all of these insurance policies can be found on the Web for a much lower price? Did you purchase your airline tickets using a credit card? A lot of credit card companies provide additional travel insurance, if you used their card to purchase the tickets. Do you have homeowners or tenants insurance? Some homeowners / tenants insurance cover the loss or theft of your luggage. Before you buy your travel insurance, you might want to consider the following.

Insured Travellers Have Peace of Mind

Travel insurance is a type of insurance that is acquired by people who travel, to cover for example the cost of ticket cancellations, loss or theft of luggage, or other costs related to medical emergencies. A good travel insurance policy will cover the above — and things like legal expenses, missed departures, and travel delays. Of course, the additional insurance will cost you more, but you will have greater peace of mind during your travel.

Activity Specific Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can be purchased for specific activities. A ski insurance policy may have different conditions than backpacking insurance. Get the right type of insurance — every insurance policy has a different price. Some activities are considered 'hazardous' — these types of activities may increase the cost of your insurance, or they may increase the insurance premium.

Travel Insurers Must be FSA Regulated

In the UK, companies that sell travel insurance must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) — do not purchase travel insurance in the U.K. from a company who claims they do not need to be regulated by the FSA!

Consider the Insurance Excess

Most travel insurance policies have what is called an excess. An excess is the first amount of any claim that you will have to pay, and will vary depending on the level of cover you acquired. Insurance policies with large excess amounts are usually lower in cost.

For British citizens travelling to European Union countries within the European Economic Area, the insurance excess can be reduced if a form E111 is completed. Form E111 can be acquired from most UK Post Offices, and is free of charge. When the form is completed, it entitles the insured person to certain free health care within the European Union countries. Note an E111 only covers certain treatments in state hospitals.

For American citizens, please remember that Medicare/Medicaid will not cover hospital and medical services outside the United States.

Also, keep in mind that your private health insurance may provide some coverage, regardless of where you travel. Keep in mind that some insurance policies only partially cover medical expenses abroad.

Multiple Trip Insurance

Travel insurance can be acquired for individual trips, but if you travel more than once a year, you might want to consider buying an annual insurance policy. If you're thinking about buying an annual insurance policy, then make sure you're not restricted by the number of trips you can take per year.

Changing the Insurance Policy

Some travel insurers will allow you to change your policy within two weeks of purchase. If you think your travel plans can change, then consider a travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

If you purchased an insurance policy that offers trip cancellation and interruption coverage then you should be allowed to cancel your holiday if you get sick, within a specific period of time, and your travel insurance should reimburse you for any non-refundable expenses related to your holiday. In addition, if your travel supplier declares bankruptcy, or the airline goes on strike, then you may also be covered. Read the travel insurance details before you make your purchase.