The importance of travel insurance

Photo: Lost luggage CC BY-NC-SA 2.0  Sharla Sava

While not thinking negatively about what can happen on holiday, cover is essential just in case crime, accidents or bad health should hit you while you are away, thereby ruining your holiday and making you short of cash when you arrive back home. Navigator Travel Insurance offer a good deal to cover every possible scenario or option.

Imagine you are on the deck of a lovely cruise ship, GoPro in hand and filming the dolphins.  You accidentally drop the darn thing overboard, and while it may send back some fascinating underwater footage for a while, that’s it, it’s gone. Let's face it, you aren’t going to dive overboard to get it back.  In another scenario, you might be sitting on a public bench is a rather more dodgy area of a foreign city, using some handy WiFi, when something distracts you.  You turn your head, and when you turn back, your laptop is gone. Looking down the street, all you can see is the wily robber’s dust as he easily escapes with your valuables. Make sure you have the right cover if this happens, although admittedly theft of this nature, or loss of luggage as in the poor lady above, is often covered by your household policy, so do check to see if it is to avoid being double-covered, and maybe save a little money.

Photo: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0  Olly Newport

	Many people love travelling to experience the extreme adventure sports available all over the world. Bungee jumping comes to mind, or climbing Mount Everest, riding the wild white water or diving with the Great White Shark. Make sure your insurance broker knows what you are planning to get up to while you are away to ensure you have adequate cover for your risky adrenaline-filled lifestyle.
Photo: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Ben

On a more serious note, medical emergencies can crop up at the very worst moment. While we don’t like to think that accidents or health issues can happen when on holiday, it is wise to think ahead.  If you are a European resident, travelling within the EU, you can apply for an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which will enable you to receive the local, state-funded medical treatment in the country of your choice. 

Do bear in mind, however, that this card is no alternative to the normal travel insurance cover and is not of use when it comes to the posher, private healthcare facilities. However, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it is a good idea to let your broker know. Some travel insurance companies may levy a small premium for cover relating to particular medical conditions, but it is best to be honest.  If travelling in Europe with an EHIC, your broker may waive this excess, allowing you complete peace of mind. When thinking of saving some money on your travel insurance, there are several options.  For instance, if you travel a lot during the year it is worthwhile to take out annual cover. This policy is not only more affordable than single trip options but it also takes the hassle out of planning future trips during the year.

Photo: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Sergio Alvarez

However, do bear in mind that annual policies only cover holidays lasting up to a maximum of 31 days each, so if you are planning on backpacking the world, this might not be the option for you. If you have to stick to individual trip policies, they can be expensive, but just like you do with your holiday itself, always shop around to get the best offer. Your travel agent or airline might not give the best deal and often going with the specialists is much more affordable.

Another thing to bear in mind is whether you are travelling single or with the whole family or a group of friends. There is the option of buying joint cover for the whole group, which will definitely save you all some money.

Plan ahead and shop around is the order of the day when you are off on your travels to ensure that you have peace of mind, safety and security at a price you can afford.  Have a great trip!