QkiZmVIdC1u1T2NFFsXZ6rCniHZWotGkb

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Travel Insurance - Positives and Negatives

If you are a glass-half-full type of person you may not give much thought to the things that could go wrong when you travel overseas on holiday. You may even believe that travel insurance is an unnecessary expense. Some people are so optimistic that they think someone else will pick up the pieces of their broken holiday and pay the bills for them if things go pear-shaped.

The glass-half-empty camp, however, are often more likely to be the worrywarts of the world, anticipating disaster and spending hours making sure they purchase the correct travel insurance. They check the policy document again and again to ensure that all planned activities are covered. They are often also the ones most likely to call the insurance company with additional questions - just to be sure - and why not! It is no good waiting until things go awry to start checking your policy document to find out whether you are covered for a specific incident or activity.

There is a saying that opposites attract, so in an ideal world a 'half-full' personality should pair up with a 'half-empty' - and everything would balance out so that they both have the safety net of travel insurance for their holidays!

By now, anyone who has read articles about travel insurance should have some idea of the importance of taking out holiday insurance, no matter whether it is for a short city break, or round-the-world trip. Many people are unaware that most insurance policies also provide cover for travel within your own country of residence, usually with the requirement that accommodation for two or more nights has been booked in advance.

The cost of travel insurance is tiny compared to the potentially astronomical costs if things should go horribly wrong. It covers a range of travel-related problems, such as:

Medical accidents and emergencies and hospital benefit Liability claims and legal expenses Cancellation and curtailment Personal accident Personal effects and baggage Scheduled airline failure Catastrophe cover Mugging Travel delay Hijack Missed departure Pet care

If you are already thinking about next season's ski or snowboarding trip why not put a reminder on your 'to do' list to purchase holiday insurance with winter sports cover. An accident on the slopes very often involves broken bones and head injuries, all of which are all very expensive to treat. If you are heading to the U.S. or Canada where medical costs are wallet-numbingly high, then it is vital to have a good ski insurance policy in place. Check that the policy includes adequate cover for medical expenses as well as cover for mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation, and air ambulance to repatriate you (if this should become necessary). Bills for these costs are very expensive and it is your responsibility (and yours alone) to pay them. Many travellers are under the false impression that their consulate or embassy will pay these costs if they do not have insurance, but that is not the case.

When purchasing holiday insurance it is important to review the 'Schedule of Cover'; this is the section that sets out the various aspects of the insurance and the amount of cover provided for each under your chosen plan. Most companies will offer different levels of cover, from a Basic policy up to a Premier - meaning increasingly higher levels of cover and a corresponding increase in the premium.

Your choice of 'level of cover' may depend largely on your destination country. If you are just hopping across to Europe for a city break for a few days you may decide not to take out as much insurance as if you were going skiing in Colorado or river rafting in South America. If in doubt, always call the company and ask for advice before you buy.

If you live in a participating member country of the European Union always carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when travelling within the EU. However, remember that the EHIC should be carried in addition to travel insurance, not as a substitute. The EHIC usually provides cover for emergency treatment on the same level as a national of that country. However, it does not cover non-urgent treatment, ongoing treatment or medical repatriation by air ambulance. It also does not cover lost or stolen luggage or property and a host of other travel-related mishaps that are all potentially very costly without insurance.

A basic cheap travel insurance policy or cheap Backpacker insurance policy is better than no policy at all, and additional cover can usually be purchased to provide cover for extras such as winter sports, business equipment, golf cover and photographic equipment.

It is wonderful to have a positive attitude to life, but trusting your holiday to 'luck' could be a very big - and costly - mistake. If you do not have travel insurance it could even result in financial ruin, and that would certainly wipe the smile off the face of even the most annoyingly optimistic person! Being a naturally happy-go-lucky person is a personality trait that should be preserved, so why risk shattering your holiday dreams - and that precious half-full glass...

Pet Travel Insurance: What's to Know? Terrorism Coverage in Your Travel Insurance Policies Travel Health And Car Insurance And Why You Need It What Will Your Travel Insurance Cover? Travel Insurance - Avoid Becoming a Statistic

Smart Ways to Buy Travel Insurance

Buying travel insurance along with your long-awaited trip to paradise (or any trip for that matter) is a breeze, until you realize something went wrong and you actually have to make a claim. This is where the dream ends for travelers, where some insurance companies nitpick their way out of the issue and deny all possibly deniable claims. To avoid arguments with such companies, it's best to (a) buy any-reason trip cancelation insurance, (b) buy primary medical insurance, and (c) make sure to buy these as early as possible, even before you start to pay for your trip.

Canceling for any reason

One of the most common risks covered by travel insurance is trip cancellation. However, take note that some agencies or companies might make a list of reasons they specifically cover. If your reason is not covered, then they can get away with denying the claim. While this kind of insurance usually covers reasons such as illnesses or accidents, other ones like sudden important business meetings or terrorist activity and uprisings even in just nearby areas of your destination won't do the trick.

What you need to look out for is any-reason trip cancellation, which allows you to obtain refunds in case anything comes up and you have to cancel your trip even after you've paid for it. This is especially helpful if you have nonrefundable deposits, or if you suddenly have to cancel a pleasure cruise or an all-inclusive package tour at the last minute (when penalty fees are soaring way too high). Fortunately, most agencies or companies have started to issue the any-reason cancellation insurance, where you can recover at least half of your deposited payments depending on your terms and agreed conditions.

Mind your Health

A most common exclusion among travel insurance coverage is pre-existing medical conditions. A pre-existing medical condition basically means any injury or illness to which you acquired medical diagnosis, care or treatment within 3 to 6 months before your trip. A possible issue with your agency would be whether a condition is pre-existing or not. However, there are some agencies that may cover pre-existing conditions depending on what type of policy you choose and when you purchase it.

Another medical related issue you need to be aware of is paying hospital bills. Secondary medical insurance is often on the menu among providers, which basically means you'll have to shoulder the expenses now and then get your reimbursement afterwards. However, this is a terrible mistake-you would want to avoid this situation at all costs. Your agency might just run out on you and argue that you didn't follow the guidelines necessary for you to be eligible for the reimbursement. It's best to acquire a primary medical insurance so that you don't need to cash out on any emergency hospital payments; your insurance provider will do it for you.

Most travel agencies offer great deals and promos. Make sure to compare the policies of two or more travel insurance agencies. Most agencies or companies also have requirements or deadlines for you to be able to avail of the best services. Consult with them and discuss the matter thoroughly. Remember to buy as early as possible, so that you are still entitled to the best benefits in full. There's nothing that can ruin a spectacular getaway than an emergency situation that's not covered by your agency.

Pet Travel Insurance: What's to Know? Terrorism Coverage in Your Travel Insurance Policies Travel Health And Car Insurance And Why You Need It What Will Your Travel Insurance Cover?

Tips to Find Cheap Travel Insurance

The excitement of travelling abroad might be so awesome to you that you might not have enough time to study the options offered by your travel insurance company. Hence it is necessary to plan and research everything much in advance, especially if you are pursuing to get cheap travel insurance.

Travel coverage fitting your budget

There are many factors which need to be tapped before you purchase travel coverage. Your travel agent will be keen on selling you a vacation coverage which is cheap and fitting your budget. But, find out if it covers whatever you consider of utmost importance.

Try to research over the Internet all the predominant diseases and other ailments which affect the tourist, visiting your present vacation destination. See if your travel insurance covers this aspect.

Purchase only what you feel is right for you

What is the point of purchasing a coverage which is cheap but ineffective while travelling? Also, when you try to get an insurance which you think is perfect for you; it might turn out to be the most complicated coverage you have ever come across.

Your travel agent or the travel company might sell you what is beneficial for them and you might end up buying something which you do not need. So be smart and look out for a cheap travel insurance which covers everything you need while vacationing abroad.

Here are a few situations which might be of great importance while deciding on travel coverage:

- Cancellation

You can get a refund for your travel expenses if your coverage has this main aspect. Due to unforeseen circumstances just before you leave, you may have to cancel your much awaited trip. And what could be more satisfactory to you than getting a refund?

- Natural Catastrophe

If your visiting destination has an unsuitable climatic condition you may have to cancel your trip and maybe keep it aside for a later date. In such an unavoidable condition your insurance might cover all your expenses.

- Medical Coverage

Whether you are a young or old person you need to know the importance of medical emergencies.

- Other Important Coverages

Also check for details like delayed flights, missing baggage, emergency expenses and hijack allowances.

The only thing needed apart from the tips given above is that you need to book your insurance much in advance. This will give you plenty of time to locate a cheap travel insurance which covers most of the things you need on your trip abroad.

The Importance of the European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card or EHIC is a must have item for all UK resident travelling to anywhere in Europe. In the event that your holiday takes a turn for the worst, the card allows you access to state provided healthcare, similar to that provided by the NHS in the UK, in all countries designated as in the European Economic Area or EEA.

These countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Leichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Switzerland is a country also included in the scheme.

Not all countries' healthcare systems are the same, so you might not be covered for everything that would normally be free from the NHS in the UK. In many cases, you will be offered a choice of either private or state provided care. To avoid potentially costly private medical bills, always seek out state provided care and where possible present your EHIC before treatment.

There are certain rules that apply to using your European Health Insurance Card should you require medical treatment during your visit abroad. Most accidents are covered but you are not permitted to go abroad to use the card to receive specific medical care. However, maternity care, renal dialysis and looking after the symptoms of a pre-existing or chronic condition that crops up while you are abroad are all covered by the card.

Broadly speaking, you will receive the same treatment as a resident of the country you are visiting. That said, many overseas countries expect the patient to pay towards the cost of medical treatment anyway so even with the EHIC you may still be expected to pay. It is also worth bearing in mind that you may be able to recoup this cost when you return to the UK if you are not able to do so in the country you have visited. Always remember to keep receipts and paperwork as they may be needed to apply for reimbursement.

Applying for a European Health Insurance Card is free and is valid for five years. Finally, it should be pointed out that the card is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover you for private medical care or the cost of such things as a rescue from a mountain in a ski resort. Neither, of course, does it cover lost or stolen property, repatriation to the UK or flight related problems. It is therefore essential that you have a travel insurance policy as well as your EHIC.

Essential Travel Medical Insurance Tips

Medical insurance for traveling purposes is designed to protect travelers while on trips abroad. The comprehensive travel medical insurance tips you find below will help you make the best choice for your circumstances.

Travel medical insurance can cover certain eventualities such as trips to dangerous areas, health complications and prescriptions, together with unforeseen illnesses and accidents. Specifically, this type of coverage is taken out to protect against events that include any health complications, which are not caused by any pre-existing conditions, and traumas that may occur due to accidents.

A policy will contain many terms and exceptions, so it is important to read the fine print. The policy will also specify the countries to which the policy is applicable, and how much it will pay out per procedure. For example, a maximum figure will be stated for hospital treatment, dental treatment, or repatriation. Some cases will not be covered by a standard policy, such as extreme sports or high-risk activities like white water rafting, or bungee jumping. It is worth checking with your insurer or travel agent if you plan on doing anything unusually adventurous.

If you have any pre-existing health conditions they should be declared when you purchase your policy. In most cases insurers will not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is a condition you have been seen by a doctor for, or one that you have taken medication for prior to your trip. Insurers generally consider anything that has occurred within a month prior to your trip as a pre-existing condition, but this can vary from insurer to insurer, so make certain you are aware of the terms before purchasing a policy.

Coverage can be purchased from travel agents, financial companies and travel insurance specialists. You should always keep a copy of your policy with you and write down the emergency telephone number and policy number. Also make sure you keep it with you wherever you go.

Other travel medical insurance tips include taking copies of prescriptions in case you lose your medication or require more during your trip. Your insurer will be able to assist in replacing lost drugs. Check to see if the policy covers repatriation and ambulances, and if you are purchasing a policy for your family make certain you have stated any pre-existing health conditions they may have. It is also worth noting some policies have limits to the amount of family members they will cover. Find out if the policy will pay for medical emergencies upfront, or whether they will reimburse you at a later date.

Most standard insurers that will not cover pre-existing health conditions do this to keep premiums low. However, these days there are many insurance companies that offer policies to those that have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, cancer and heart conditions.

There are also policies available for people over the age of 65, which is an important move forward as many retired people are far more active now than in previous generations. The best travel medical insurance tips are to always read the terms and conditions, and shop around for a policy that suits your own personal requirements, rather than a standard policy. By being savvy when buying coverage you will ensure you obtain the best deal possible.

Pet Travel Insurance: What's to Know? Terrorism Coverage in Your Travel Insurance Policies Travel Health And Car Insurance And Why You Need It What Will Your Travel Insurance Cover?

Compare Various Travel Insurance Policies

If one wants to compare travel insurance, then it is necessary to understand the various travel insurance plans that are available. Then one needs to investigate the costs associated with these plans offered by different companies and then to find the one that is most cost-effective yet most suitable and covers all of one's needs when travelling.

The first type of policy to compare is single trip plan travel insurance. Single trip plans, as their name implies, covers a single holiday or business trip. The trip can be as short as three days or as long as year with comprehensive coverage provided throughout the length of the trip. A help line for medical assistance is available around the clock and over fifty sports are covered. Usually there is no charge for children that take part in these trips.

For those who travel more often during the year and want compare travel insurance, then there are multi-plan trips which cover an unlimited number of trips made throughout a single year. These again can be trips for either business or pleasure that can last for up to 90 days for each trip. Winter sports are covered for free as well as fifty other additional sports. Children are also covered at no charge and there are discounts available for family travel.

Another type of travel insurance that travelers compare is the winter sports insurance. This type of insurance is available as a single trip or a multi-trip for those who travel often during the winter months around the world and offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of injuries or eventualities. The multi-trip plan covers winter sports at no charge as well as off-piste-skiing and snowboarding. Coverage for winter sports equipment, avalanche benefit and ski packs are also available and children are covered at no charge.

Long stay insurance does cover holiday trips that can last up to twelve months but is designed more for those who choose to live abroad or need it for business travel. For those using it to cover an extensive holiday, there are fifty different winter sports that are covered at no extra charge. Children are covered at no charge and family coverage is available if the plan is being used for a personal business trip. Long stay insurance includes comprehensive coverage for major medical expenses and hospital bills as well as for cancellations of pre-paid trips.

One type of insurance that is designed more for students is backpacking insurance. Backpacking is one way to travel that brings an in-depth and close-at-hand experience of the cultures and way of life in the countries that are visited. Coverage for backpacking insurance can be for along as eighteen months and includes an option for skiing during the winter months with fifty other sports and activities included at no extra charge. Being designed for students, backpacking coverage enables the student to return home once during any extended travel. Medical rescue and emergency assistance is available by means of a 24-hour hotline that exists worldwide. Continuation of repayment of a student loan is also available while one is traveling.