Top 10 Savvy Traveller Insurance Essentials

As millions of us will soon be grabbing passports and heading for our holidays, it’s time to banish the temptation to skimp on safety.

Did you know that a colossal 38 per cent of Brits who took an overseas holiday last year did not have the right cover, or worse still, decided not to buy insurance at all, according to recent data from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

Here are 10 travel insurance essentials you should know before setting foot on your next holiday:

1. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), may cover some state-provided medical treatment, but it won’t cover repatriation costs, or additional support, like a doctor or nurse escort.

2. A medical repatriation could cost you over £10,000, in Europe.

3. Not declaring a pre-existing medical condition could invalidate your insurance. Some companies cover certain conditions for free. The additional insurance costs for getting your condition covered could be a drop in the ocean compared to the overseas medical costs you might face if you don’t.

4. Travel insurance offered as part of a package holiday usually costs you a lot more than it needs to. A high price doesn’t always mean high quality, so shop around for the right deal, at the best price.

5. You may get free travel insurance cover through your bank, building society or through your work, but always check any restrictions that may apply such as age, where you can travel, cover limits.

6. Overseas out-patient medical treatment for something as simple as an infected mosquito bite can cost over £150, while inpatient hospital treatment could quickly run into thousands. When you can buy a travel insurance policy for under £15, why would you take the risk of travelling without cover?!

7. Activities you may see as normal holiday pass times, like cycling, hiking, a balloon ride, or scuba diving may not be covered as standard, so always check in advance. It would be a costly oversite, as your risk of injury increases whilst participating in such holiday activities.

Read also: Best Hiking Trails in Greenland

8. Buy your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip. That way you get the benefit straight away for Cancellation cover.

9. Travel insurance isn’t health insurance, so don’t expect cover for routine check-ups, or elective and ongoing medical treatment. Travel insurance is for unforeseen events, like cancellation, baggage loss and emergency medical treatment.

10. Holidays are for kicking back, letting your hair down and having fun, but most travel insurance policies require you to act responsibly and avoid willful exposure to peril! So of course go ahead and enjoy your hard earned holiday, but don’t risk getting a claim turned down, and ensure you drink responsibly and avoid dangers and risks.

Wherever you go this year, stay safe and review the latest travel advice on FCO website and take out travel insurance for EU residents, so you're prepared for the unexpected on your trip.

Read also: Your Quick Guide to Travel Insurance and Pre-Existing Medical Conditions