Whether you are off to the beach, the mountains or on city breaks this summer, travel insurance is an essential for your holiday. Something could always go wrong. Flights may be cancelled or delayed, you may fall ill, or your luggage could be stolen.
Some tour agents automatically add insurance to the cost of flights, or the airline may do the same. Travel insurance can be part of a benefits package offered by some employers. You can always opt out of these policies and buy insurance on your own. But whether you accept an insurance offer or buy on your own, you must read through the policy wordings and schedules carefully to see what you will be insured for and what is excluded.
War and civil unrest
Most travel insurance policies do not cover damage due to war or civil unrest. If you are travelling to a country with unstable politics and where there is an expectation of political violence, seek the advice of a specialist insurance broker. An individual traveller may buy such insurance separately, although the cost will be high.
Natural disaster
The consequences of natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are also not covered in most standard travel insurance policies. Air space closure over much of Europe in 2010 after volcanic eruptions in Iceland is one example. A number of airlines and hotels helped travellers in the aftermath of the Icelandic eruptions. But tourists should not expect such concessions after every disaster. Cover against natural disasters is available as a separate policy and, as with war insurance, may be expensive.
Medical
Medical conditions cause the greatest confusion in travel insurance coverage. These policies will not cover existing medical conditions. A policy may be invalidated if you didn't declare these conditions beforehand to the insurance provider. The policy may also be cancelled if you travel against medical advice. Age is always an issue. If you are over 65, check precisely what you are covered for.
Some policies may cover the traveller against holiday cancellation at short notice due to illness of a relative or close friend. But this remains a grey area and it's worth checking with different insurance providers.
Home insurance
Before you set out on your trip, make sure that your home will remain safe whilst you are away. Follow the standard security procedures of locking all sheds, garages and outhouses. Cancel deliveries of milk and newspapers. Ask a friend or neighbour to check the post so that it does not accumulate in your mailbox. Most burglaries occur when a house is unoccupied. Store valuables in a home safe or in the bank. Make sure all doors and windows are locked securely.
Some home insurance policies may become invalid if the owner is absent for more than 30 consecutive days. Check on a home insurance compare website to find suitable cover if you are planning to be absent for a longer period.
