Travel insurance explained

Travel insurance: a necessity

All travel insurance policies are different, which is why it is important to find a policy that suits you. Essentially, travel insurance covers any unexpected costs you may incur whilst travelling, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Cancelled flights
• Delays
• Lost luggage

Only 60 countries in the world offer free medical assistance to UK residents abroad; if you need medical treatment in many countries you will be faced with a large bill afterwards.

Apart from medical problems, unfortunately other things can go wrong whilst travelling. It is not advisable to assume that your travel company or airline will ensure everything runs smoothly. The only way to be sure you will be reimbursed for lost luggage, cancellations and delays is to take out an adequate travel insurance policy that covers all these situations.

Travel insurance and the law

Unlike car insurance, travel insurance is not a legal requirement. However, many airlines strongly recommend their customers have travel insurance before flying. If you are booking your trip through a travel agent they will usually want to know who your travel insurance policy is with, if you do not buy straight from them.

Buying travel insurance

There are hundreds of different travel insurance policies on the market, and it is important to shop around to find the right policy for you and your family. If you book travel insurance through a travel agent or company they will often try to sell you a policy at the same time. But these policies can cost up to 75% more than an independent policy and it is always worthwhile shopping around for your travel insurance.

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