Tuesday, August 19, 2014

How Getting Covered With Travel Insurance Protects You

How Getting Covered With Travel Insurance Protects You

 

Travel is a subject that can be a great bone of contention for many people - the pleasures and stresses are both undeniable. Some find the idea of long-distance expeditions exciting, whereas others may consider the idea excruciating. However, for veteran travellers, whether for business or pleasure, for leisure or necessity, one of the aspects they (mostly) agree upon is the importance of getting covered with the right insurance policy.
Although modern travel has become a great deal faster, safer and more convenient compared to the past, there continues to be risks involved - just as with any other activity. If you're new to travelling and are unfamiliar of the benefits of getting a good insurance policy, here are some compelling reasons why getting covered is a very good idea.
It protects you against financial loss
One of the most obvious reasons for getting covered is to protect yourself against financial loss in the event that your trip is cancelled or gets cut short. There are many reasons this may occur - from inclement weather, sudden political upheavals, natural disasters, or even mundane reasons such as your airline or travel agency goes out of business.
Getting covered with a good policy means you are financially protected in the event of lost, stolen, or damaged property as well. Depending on the extent of your coverage, you can even be insured against financial loss that is directly connected to your trip, such as for costs involved in a destination wedding. Depending on your policy, you could also be covered for lost income in the event that you are prevented from getting home and resuming your job as scheduled.
It protects you against harm
While being in an unfamiliar country doing strange and exotic things can be quite exciting, being in a strange place with no access to your usual support systems can be the most terrifying thing in a crisis. A good policy will protect you in the event of major emergencies such as terrorist attacks, natural catastrophes, or political upheavals. Not only will having the right policy reimburse you in the event that you need to cut your trip short, but it will also provide emergency evacuation services and medical treatment if necessary.
It protects you against liability
Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, even when you're at home doing household chores. Undeniably, though, it's a thousand times more stressful when you're in a foreign country. Fortunately, a good policy can protect you against liability in the event of accidents - such as when renting a car or sports equipment. Take note, however, that it doesn't protect you against criminal liability, so be sure to familiarise yourself with local laws and take extra care you don't break any. In the event you get hurt, your travel insurance will also ensure you receive the proper emergency and medical treatment as soon as possible, as well as reimburse you for costs incurred during your treatment.
Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of Insuremore. When it comes to getting covered with travel insurance, we offer a range of policies including single-trip, multi-trip and family insurance. For all your travel cover needs, Insuremore can help you in the quickest and most cost-efficient way.

 

How to Choose Travel Medical Insurance

How to Choose Travel Medical Insurance

 

That is almost four out of ten Americans buying travel insurance in 2010
Did they benefit from the insurance they bought?
• 17% of those people were able to claim their insurance
• Almost 40% of those claimers used the insurance for trip cancellations
• 37% of claimers used the insurance for their delayed or interrupted trips
• On the other hand, 11.6% have used it for their medical expenses during their trips
• While 9% used their insurance for their lost and delayed baggage
• Lastly, 0.02% used the claims for death
So what happened to the rest that did not claim their insurance?
• Some did not experience any medical problem with their trip
• Some were not able to claim because their claim was invalidated.
• Some were not able to claim because the country they visited was not covered or part of the insurance plan
• Some were not able to claim because the sickness they got was not covered.
• Some were not able to claim because the insurance company does not cover their preexisting medical condition such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Some did not understand the insurance policy that came with their insurance.
• And some did not need it at all
How can you prevent those from happening to you?
• First of all, do a background check on the insurance company that you will choose. Take a quick glance on its page on BBB's (Better Business Bureau) website to see if it has a good record of not upsetting its clients.
• Do not just get a travel insurance that will cover checkups. It is a good choice as a precaution, but it will not save your money in any way. If they found out that you were sick, your insurance will not be capable of paying for you.
• Make sure that you get a health travel insurance that has high medical expense coverage. A medical insurance that can cover more than $200,000 of medical bills should be enough.
• If you are not going to visit a country that is considered a medical spot, consider getting an insurance that can cover your evacuation back to the US for medical care.
• Always know all the things that the insurance will not be able to cover. If you are going for an adventure trip, choose an insurance that can cover extreme activities such as bungee jumping, hand gliding, and mountain hiking.
• Do not limit your insurance to cover your health alone. Many things could happen to your flight, and you do not want to be uncovered when any of that happens.

 

Your Insurance Policy - An Important Holiday Essential

Your Insurance Policy - An Important Holiday Essential

In the not too distant past, anyone thinking about going on holiday simply went along to the travel agent, told them where they wanted to go and when and then paid their deposit! Everything was arranged for them. Then, around six weeks before departure, they paid the balance, got their tickets and documents (including the travel insurance policy) and started counting down the days. But that was then...
These days, many people prefer to make their own arrangements through the Internet, hoping to create their perfect holiday and of course to grab the best bargains. One interesting aspect of a travel agency was that it typically didn't treat travel cover as an option that you had to make a decision about - it was just there built in to the price.
One of the problems with today's do-it-yourself approach is that there may be a tendency to side step the issue of an insurance policy at the time, or even to just shelve it altogether. That may prove to be a serious mistake that could leave you remembering that dream holiday for all the wrong reasons!
But what could possibly go wrong?
Well, unfortunately, plenty! Let's imagine a scenario where you slip on some seaweed while clambering over some rocks on the beach and are carted off to hospital with a broken leg. You may be thinking how fortunate that you remembered to apply for an EHIC before you left. However, you may find that your EHIC doesn't provide the cover and the care that you'd expect in the UK. It only provides for the same level of care that locals would get in the country you are visiting, and many of these locals will have a separate health insurance policy to cover those things the state provision doesn't. These could include X-rays, some surgeries, some medications and perhaps even ambulance charges.
For a holidaymaker, though, the situation could be even worse if you had to be repatriated at your own expense.
Other memorable aspects of your holiday (for all the wrong reasons) could be and of the following.
• The baggage that went missing and only turned up the day before you were due to fly home.
• Losing your passport and travellers cheques and having to curtail your spending for the rest of your holiday.
• Being out of pocket hanging around waiting for hours because of travel delays.
• Perhaps having to cancel your bookings altogether because a close family member was taken seriously ill.
Without proper holiday insurance these may all be things that you just have to live with - including what could be serious financial consequences. So, when you look at the comparative costs of travel insurance, you may find that taking the risk and doing without it is just not worth the hassle.
Don't take any chances when it comes to your perfect holiday; make sure your holiday essentials list of things to do has a travel insurance policy right up there at the top!

 

Understanding Personal Liabilities in Terms of Family Holiday Insurance

Understanding Personal Liabilities in Terms of Family Holiday Insurance

 

It's a fair bet that if you ask anyone about the cover provided by family holiday insurance the main areas they highlight are likely to be things like these listed below.
• Health cover to top up the protection provided by an EHIC for a family in countries where emergency health care provision is not as comprehensive as the UK equivalent.
• Travel delays - where you suffer serious inconvenience and may need to fund temporary accommodation etc.
• Lost or stolen baggage - to provide funds to replace essential items until such time as your baggage is recovered.
• Cancellations - where you have had to cancel your holiday due to the death or illness of a close family member or perhaps from being made redundant.
These certainly are all very important reasons why family holiday insurance should be something that you would not consider leaving to chance when planning your holiday.
There is another area, though, where this type of cover can provide vital protection for you, and that's in situations where you or a member of your family causes serious injury to another person or damage to their property. If the injured third party decides that you or members of your group are to blame for their predicament, they may decide to sue you for damages.
If their claim results in a decision in their favour, you could be left with the prospect of finding a substantial sum of money to settle the award against you. You may also be required to fund their costs and expenses, as well as any that you may have incurred defending the claim. As many people may be all too well aware, modern society seems to be becoming extremely litigious, and family holiday insurance policies that can provide six figure sums of financial protection in these circumstances are not unusual.
If you are in the fortunate position of being able to benefit from more than one holiday per year, having cover is all the more important. That doesn't necessarily mean though that you have to go through the process of purchasing a new policy on each occasion. In addition to a single trip policy, many providers of this type of cover will also offer an annual option, saving you both time and effort. You may also find that an annual policy may be a more cost effective option than buying individual policies as and when you need them.
Over recent years there has been a major increase in the number of people arranging their own holidays as opposed to going to a travel agent and getting everything done for them. One consequence of this is the inclination to regard family holiday insurance as an option that can be sacrificed to save a bit of money. That is definitely a false economy: you need cover, end of story!

 

Why Family Holiday Insurance Is So Important

Why Family Holiday Insurance Is So Important

 

It's not just the budget conscious travellers who may have second thoughts about whether or not to purchase family holiday insurance before setting off on holiday.
After all, the chances are you're just not going to need it. Well maybe not, but the thing about any form of insurance is that it's there to protect you from the financial consequences of the unexpected actually happening.
So, what types of protection can a policy typically offer?
Health
Perhaps one of the most important considerations when you travel abroad on holiday is what would happen if you or a member of your family were to fall ill. It is important to note that even if you have an EHIC (freely available from the NHS but valid for the EU and associated European countries only) this will only provide you with the same level of free medical treatment that citizens of the country you are visiting are entitled to. This is unlikely to be as extensive as the free care and treatment you may be used to in the UK.
You may find yourself being asked to pay significant sums, particularly if surgery or repatriation is required. Other expenses, like your accommodation should you need to stay behind at the end of your holiday to be close to a sick child for example, would simply not be covered at all if you had no family holiday insurance.
Cancellation
If you have to cancel your holiday in situations where a close family member has been taken ill, or perhaps if you have been made redundant, appropriate family holiday insurance will allow you to get reimbursement for monies paid out.
Travel delays
Your travel plans may be hit by strikes, bad weather or severe traffic conditions. In the worst case, severe delays may lead you to having to cancel your holiday completely, while at the very best you may be facing out of pocket expenses for snacks, drinks and even accommodation until you can finally set off.
Baggage and personal item issues
Getting to your destination should be the start of a great couple of weeks for you and your family, but not if you are in one place and your baggage is in another, or if it has perhaps been stolen. A policy will typically cover the costs of you being able to purchase essential items to allow you to continue with your holiday. The loss or theft of personal items such as passports, travellers' cheques and cash can be similarly covered.
Car hire excess
With any car rental agreement, there is likely to be a fairly hefty excess charge for certain types of damage to the vehicle; this can leave you with a significant charge to your credit card for repairs to a car that isn't even yours. A good comprehensive policy can provide a financial buffer in these situations.
These are just some of the scenarios that could have a negative impact on your holiday, but the peace of mind that having cover can bring can never be overestimated - particularly when you are trying to relax and get away from your everyday cares and worries.
You may find that, when viewed against other factors like the overall cost of your holiday, the potential benefits that family holiday insurance provides may end up making it seem like an indispensable part of your planning. And it is.

 

5 Travel Insurance Myths You Should Ignore

5 Travel Insurance Myths You Should Ignore

 

Family holiday insurance is something that should be considered essential when you go on holiday overseas. Without it, you could find yourself in serious difficulties should one of your family require medical or hospital treatment. It can also be very convenient if you lose personal items or have to cancel any component of your trip. However, there are a number of myths that could affect which policy you choose, so you should be aware of these before you travel.
1. All Policies Are the Same
If you think that all family holiday insurance policies are the same, think again. Although many contain similar types of cover, such as for medical assistance and trip cancellation, they can differ enormously. Some may provide cover for certain medical conditions, some may have age restrictions, some may only have the most basic level of cover, and there are many other differences between them. That is why it is so important to choose your policy carefully.
2. You Only Need an EHIC
There is a misconception that an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is all you will need if you travel to a European country. Although it can be useful, it is not a replacement for comprehensive family holiday insurance. It only covers medical care, and it does not provide repatriation should you need a medical team to transport you home, which could cost thousands of pounds. So by all means take your EHIC, but don't use it as a substitute for a full policy.
3. Single-Trip Is Always Cheaper than Multi-Trip
Although it is usually the case that single-trip cover is cheaper than multi-trip cover for one trip abroad, it is not always the case because it depends upon the provider. In addition, it may turn out to be less expensive to get a multi-trip policy if you plan to travel abroad a few times in the same year.
4. Minor Medical Conditions Do Not Need to Be Declared
Even if you only have a minor medical condition, you should still declare this when you buy your policy. It may be that your cover will not be affected, but this is up to the provider. If your insurer does not provide cover for your condition, you may need to buy extra to ensure you will be able to get financial assistance should you require medical attention.
5. It Is Too Expensive and Too Complicated
These days, a good policy is not only very simple to arrange but it can also be a lot less expensive than you imagine. Check out some online providers and you will soon see that it is very easy to arrange cover.
Try to ignore these common myths when you buy your family holiday insurance policy this year. Instead, focus on looking for a policy that is absolutely suitable for you and your family, and provides you with everything you need - so you can focus on enjoying yourself rather than worrying about what could go wrong.

 

Family Travel Insurance - How to Pick the Good From the Bad

Family Travel Insurance - How to Pick the Good From the Bad

 

If the worst does happen on holidays and you pick up your phone to call your insurance provider, you want to be completely sure that the answer on the other end doesn't disappoint. In that moment, no amount of regret about the effort you put into choosing your policy will be a consolation if they regretfully tell you they can't help you in the way you expect.
So it is vital to know how to pick the good plans from the bad. Here are some tips.
Versatility
A hallmark of quality family travel insurance is versatility. People vacation in different ways at different times, and good providers know this and know how to cater for it. Whether you travel regularly or simply once a year, whether you take a cruise or prefer golfing, whether you will stay in a Caribbean resort or a Parisian hotel, the best plans are able to be shaped to suit your particular needs. This means you not only have a provider who understands the exact situation of your upcoming holiday, but you also are not left paying for cover that you simply do not need.
Efficiency
If negotiating family travel insurance becomes an onerous chore, then there is a good chance you are dealing with a less than ideal provider. The best companies understand that the time preparing for a vacation is both precious and stressful. They also understand that with modern technology they can make researching plans more efficient. Hence the better plans offer clear, fast online quotes and then allow you to sign up to reliable plans with no unnecessary fuss.
Reliability
No matter how simple or tailored your plan may be, it is basically useless if the provider cannot deliver what they have promised. In picking your family travel insurance, check the underwriter, investigate feedback from past customers, and understand the company's accreditation and reputation. The better companies will give you plans that are not too good to be true. The better plans give you a very clear outline of what to expect, so if the unfortunate does happen on your holiday you know exactly how you can be assisted.
Value
Travelling can be expensive. When considering family travel insurance, some people may be inclined to baulk at the cost of premiums. This is why after you have found a plan to suit your particular needs, and established the credibility of the provider's promises, it is vital to get value for money. While if you pay very little you are right to expect very little, the better companies offer highly competitive plans that allow you the luxury of spending your hard earned dollars on your leisure rather than on protection against the possible dramas.