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Travel insurance

Taking out travel insurance prior to travelling is essential to ensure you are covered should the unexpected happen. Essentially it pays out if you become ill or get injured while on holiday, are delayed at the airport or end up losing your luggage.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), entitles UK residents to medical treatment if needed at a reduced cost (sometimes free), when visiting a EU country and Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It covers only what would be covered under the state scheme. It is therefore advisable to take out travel insurance and not solely rely on the EHIC arrangements.

There are many travel insurances out there and they vary in cover and price. It is best to shop around to ensure you get the right one for your own needs.

Usually most policies will cover:

– Belongings lost or stolen
– Lost or delayed baggage
– Medical (including hospital) treatment abroad
– Delays (usually on departure and if greater than 12 hours)
– 24 hour helpline with advice and support
– Holiday cancellation (i.e. too ill to travel)

They usually do not cover:

– Cancellation of the holiday if you change your mind about going
– Adventure/Hazardous sports and activities, unless you have taken a
specific insurance covering these (i.e. bungee jumping)


Things to consider when taking out cover include:

– What level of cover do I need?
– What are the exclusions on the policy?
– Are repatriations costs covered?
– Is there a 24 hour helpline available should I need it?
– Is holiday cancellation covered and in what circumstances does it apply?
– Do I need additional skiing/Adventure sports cover?
– What amounts are cash and personal belongings covered until?
– Is the cover I have adequate for the countries I am travelling to? Countries
such as the USA tend to have higher medical costs, therefore does
the insurance cover this?

It is vital you are adequately covered prior to embarking on your trip, ensuring should you need it, your insurance will be able to take care of your needs.


Travel Insurance