3 big travel insurance mistakes - Video script
John Fitzsimons looks at some common mistakes we make with our travel insurance that hit us in the pocket
John Fitzsimons looks at some common mistakes we make with our travel insurance that hit us in the pocket
Summer will be soon be upon us, so it’s nearly holiday time. If you’re heading off for a break, make sure you don’t make one of these mistakes.
Don’t rely on your EHIC
Before you go abroad, it’s a very good idea to make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card sorted out, as it does entitle you to state-provided medical treatment in all European Economic Area nations, as well as Switzerland.
However, despite the name, the EHIC doesn’t actually provide you with health insurance, just basic care. So don’t cut corners – you will need to take out a truly comprehensive policy before you board that plane.
You’re not covered!
Taking shortcuts might save you a few pennies on your policy premium, but they could end up costing you thousands overall. If you’re going travelling, and likely to head somewhere dangerous, obviously your premium will increase. Don’t be tempted to get economical with the truth of your destination with your insurer – it’s more expensive because there’s a greater chance of you coming a cropper, and if you’ve lied, you won’t be covered at all!
Similarly, if you plan to do some extreme sports, make sure your policy covers you before you go skydiving or snowboarding. It’s not worth risking it if you’re not covered.
Only looking at the price
A big one this, and one I know I’ve made in the past. As with any insurance, the devil is in the detail, and if a deal looks too good to be true it probably is. When you buy a travel insurance policy, make sure you read the small print and get the right deal for you, not just the cheapest you can find!
Remember, lovemoney.com has a terrific travel insurance quote engine that you can use to find a great deal. Just head over to lovemoney.com/travelinsurance for more details.
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It's more than just "a good idea" to get your EHIC Card up to date, and carry it with you, it's ESSENTIAL. As it says, it is not an Insurance, but you are entitled to "basic care" should you need help and attention in an emergency. "BASIC CARE", amongst medical professionals, means "whatever is necessary", i.e. ambulance, x-rays, dressings, blood tests, injections, etc., etc., No short cuts. No way should it be thought of as inferior, sub-standard, or lacking. An accident of some description is your most likely unfortunate incident on holiday. The little blue EHIC card could save you form filling and worry, at a time when you would be in shock, most likely pain, bewildered, frightened - possibly unconscious - WITHOUT IT, you face the possibility of a request for payments up front. Do not get me wrong- Take the Insurance of your choice, but GET THE CARD - CARRY IT! NOTE: As from 1st May, the system changed, old cards need changing. Have a super, safe, holiday and travelling always.
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I don't think Snowboarding is classed as an extreme sport on most insurance policies. My annual policy covers me for snowsports for up to 21 days a year and for most people, who ski on piste, it would provide adequete cover. However, if you are relatively good at skiing or snow boarding and were venturing off-piste you would need to check your insurance policy to see if you were covered. Considering the amount of flights that have been cancelled recently due to the Icelandic volcano it would be worth checking to see if you are covered for flight cancellations. I had a couple of flights cancelled over winter due to bad weather and my policy didn't cover me. It only covered me for flight delays, probably ok when holidaying with a tour operator, but if you are travelling independently it is worth checking the small print. Fortunately I received a refund for my re-arranged flights from the airline and I had no extra costs for accommodation or transfers.
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20 May 2010