29 October 2019

Travel Insurance Top Tips - What to look out for when taking a Winter Holiday

We give you some guidance to help you find the right travel insurance for your holiday

Winter is well on its way with the first frosts appearing. If you or your family are planning a winter break - either enjoying the snow season or to find some winter sun - then travel insurance should be high on your priority list. By taking it out as soon as you book your trip you can be covered straight away for cancellations.

Here at MoneyMaxim we can help with all kinds of travel insurance. Whether you are travelling near or far, having a quiet holiday or a more adventurous one, we can show you policies that may suit you.

The Basics

There are certain features that are common to most travel insurance policies. Compare the levels of cover that are provided.

• Emergency Medical Expenses - if you need medical treatment. May also include dental treatment, hospital expenses and death benefits

• Cancellation or Curtailment Cover - what happens if you need to cancel or cut short your holiday? Bear in mind that not all circumstances will be covered

• Repatriation - cover if you need to be transported back to the UK

• Delayed Departure - for losses due to such risks as adverse weather conditions and strike actions

• Missed Departure - if you miss a flight completely due to circumstances which may include the weather or transport delays

• Personal Liability - when you are held responsible for injury to a third person or to a third person's belongings

• Baggage Cover - to cover your luggage and belongings, for example if they are lost on route

The Specialist Features

When you take out travel insurance it is vital that it covers you for what you want to do. So if you are planning particular activities while you are away, make sure they are included.

• Hazardous Activities - going hot air ballooning or bungee jumping? Check whether your planned excursion is included

• Winter Sports - if you are taking to the slopes, many companies have an option to add winter sports cover

• Cruise Cover - another optional extra with some policies. These may include relevant sections such as Missed Port and Cabin Confinement

• Natural Disasters - particularly useful if you are travelling to areas that can be affected by environmental conditions for example hurricanes or volcanic ash

• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions - living with a health condition does not necessarily mean you can't travel but you will need to find a policy that suits your requirements

The Small Print

It is always important to read the terms and conditions carefully before buying any insurance policy. Here are just a few points to look out for with travel insurance

• Medical Cover in Europe - many budget policies will expect you to have an E111 card. If you do not, you may have limited or no cover for medical emergencies. The E111 may no longer be valid once Brexit takes place so having adequate medical cover is essential.

• Excess Amount - compare the levels of excess which you will be expected to pay

• Trip Length Limits - annual policies may have a restriction on the number of days your holiday can last

• Age Restrictions - check that you are within the age boundary and if you have older children that they do not need a separate policy

• Definition of Family - family policies are available but each insurance company's definition of family members can be different

To be covered for cancellation of your holiday you need to take out insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday. If you are travelling in the summer as well as during the winter months, consider whether you can take out an annual policy that will cover both trips. Some family policies will also cover children to travel independently.

If you need any further assistance with travel insurance queries then please call our team on 0118 321 8197 or contact us via the webchat service on our website. We will be delighted to help you.

Image courtesy of: Pixabay