If you’re jetting off overseas soon, you’ll no doubt have a sizeable to-do list to get through before take off – and make sure that ‘travel insurance’ is right at the top. We’ve found out what you need to think about before purchasing your policy.
It might not be something you like to think about, but so much can go wrong when you head off on holiday. Missing luggage, your wallet going missing, a medical emergency – it’s a horrible thought, but a reality for thousands.
Research has shown that one in four travellers don’t bother with travel insurance, the safety net that’s there for you should any of these situations arise. If you come up against an issue, whether that’s needing to go to hospital or damage to your property, you’ll be able to turn to your insurer for support or to cover the costs.
The problem is, however, that many mainstream insurers won’t go near someone with a pre-existing medical condition. Which is where specialist companies come in.
TAILORED FIT
“A specialist travel insurance provider will ask you more questions tailored to fit your travel needs up front and will provide you with a premium that is relevant to you and your medical circumstances,” explains Sarah Page, brand manager of Insurancewith, an insurance company offering medical insurance for travellers with pre-existing conditions. “By providing this additional information, when you purchase your travel insurance, emergency assistance teams will have a better understanding of your medical situation should you need assistance when you’re away. This will reduce the time, stress and hassle you would otherwise spend liaising between your GP at home, the non-English speaking doctors in your treating facility and the insurance company.”
As well as having this additional knowledge and understanding, a specialist insurer will also often offer better rates for cover – a fraction of what a mainstream company would offer.
If, in the name of saving money, you don’t disclose a pre-existing medical condition to your insurer, your policy may be void, meaning you’d be liable for any medical bills – so it’s really not worth the risk. So, even if your condition is under control, share the details.
THE EXTRAS
As well as making sure that your policy covers your condition, and knowing what the excess is should you need to make a claim, there are a few other factors to pay attention to.
“It is always important to look for cover that will suit your needs as not all travellers are the same,” Sarah points out. “Some of the things we would recommend looking out for are the cancellation and curtailment limit’s cover the cost of your holiday costs. If you’re taking disability, mobility and medical equipment away with you, make sure that you have travel insurance that covers any loss, theft or damage that might happen to these. The medical expenses section of your policy should cover you for replacement of prescription medication should this get lost, stolen or damaged too.”
Thinking of the worst before heading off for an overseas adventure might take the shine off your holiday a little, but knowing you have that back-up in case of emergency means you can truly relax on your getaway. Get online and start searching for appropriate cover now. Then all that’s left to do is have fun!
To find out more about travel insurance for people with disabilities, visit Insurancewith, Fish Insurance, and Chartwell Insurance.