It’s been another eventful year for travel companies, following the cancellation of flights by Ryanair and Monarch entering administration. Just before Christmas last year, thousands of customers of Atlas Choice were left with their holiday plans hanging in the balance when it was revealed the broker hadn’t been paying their car rental suppliers. Many were left with short-notice cancellations or even having to pay for their car hire a second time! Situations such as these can only highlight the importance of having adequate travel insurance to ensure your money (and holiday) is protected in the event of unforeseeable and uncontrollable circumstances. There are other eventualities however that it’s best to have peace of mind cover in place for…
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Medical bills
Should you become ill abroad, you may have to visit a doctor or hospital. So, who pays for that care? Having travel insurance in place will help reduce the costs of this. Although having a valid EHIC will help somewhat, it won’t cover everything. We’re very fortunate to have the NHS but medical costs in other countries can be astounding – shocking enough to make you feel more ill!
The EHIC, where applicable, will entitle you to the same level of care, at the same cost, as it would a resident of the country you’re in. Bear in mind that this may still involve some fees. The card also doesn’t cover your repatriation should you need to be returned home when you’re ill.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions you’ll need to make sure these are disclosed to the insurer before you take the policy out.
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Lost or damaged luggage
We’ve previously covered what you should do should be encountered with lost or damaged luggage. Many of us travel with expensive technology- laptops, mobile phones, tablets… If your luggage gets lost or stolen, you’ll be facing the replacement costs. Sometimes your home insurance may cover this, but you’ll need to check if taking items overseas is covered. Claiming on your home insurance, if eligible, will also mean your premiums after your next renewal date will increase. Take out a travel insurance policy that will cover stolen cash too!
Cancellations
There may be cause to cancel your trip for reasons beyond your control. For example, you could become ill before you travel, your financial situation could change due to redundancy, or suffer a family bereavement. Having travel insurance with cancellation cover will cover any cancellation fees you may have to pay as a result.
Accidents
If you cause an accident and injure another person or property that doesn’t belong to you, they’re likely to want you to pay for medical treatment or repair costs. Having travel insurance with personal liability cover will cover you for these costs. You’ll also want a policy with personal accident cover so if you’re injured as a result also, your treatment costs are covered.
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Missed or delayed flights
Under EU261 rules, you’ll receive compensation via your travel insurance for delayed flights that are deemed too lengthy to bear. It’ll also help with costs should you miss your flight in instances of, for example, vehicle breakdown and public transport delays.
Additional cover
Catastrophe cover
Some policies won’t cover natural disasters; consider the area you’re going and whether you think you’ll need it. It can often be better to be safe than sorry!
You’ll also need to check that your travel insurance will be valid for the country you’re travelling to. Often if the FCO have advised travellers to avoid a certain country, cover will be invalidated there.
End supplier failure
In the cases we gave at the beginning of Atlas Choice and Monarch, your travel insurance policy should cover end supplier failure; if your airline or other company goes bust and can no longer fulfil their end of the bargain.
Sports
Certain adventure sports or “dangerous activities” may not be covered as standard. If you’re going skiing or partaking in a water-sport, check whether your travel insurance will cover you. Certain sporting equipment may also need extra cover.
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Travel safely with travel insurance
It’s worth taking travel insurance for peace of mind travel. Make sure you know what you’re covered for and what you’re not. Take out any additional extras you think will be necessary, and don’t skimp because of the cost.
Get a quote for your holiday car hire below.
Written by Jessica Juby.
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