Five things you need to consider when you buy travel insurance

Looking for the right travel insurance but not sure where to start? Here are our top tips.

Travel feels like it has become more complex over the last few years. With the ever-changing rules and regulations around COVID-19 and Brexit, many travellers now feel unsure about exactly what they need to do in order to travel safely. 

One thing hasn’t changed however: the importance of having the right travel insurance in place before you go. 

Travel insurance provides critical financial protection for you in the event of anything going wrong while you are travelling. If your bags are lost or stolen, you need emergency medical treatment, or your flight is delayed, you should be covered. 

There are lots of options out there. So what should you bear in mind as you look to get the right travel cover for your trip? Here are our five top tips.

1. Book your insurance when you book your holiday

Travel has become increasingly unpredictable. From COVID-19 outbreaks to flight cancellations or industrial action, you need to make sure you’re covered. 

In such a volatile environment it makes sense to get your travel cover as soon as possible. The quickest and easiest way is to do it when you buy your holiday. Getting your travel insurance early means that as soon as you’ve made the financial commitment and bought your holiday, you’re covered if anything unexpected crops up.

2. Consider getting scheduled airline failure insurance

In the past, if your airline went out of business and you had bought the flights directly (rather than as part of a package) you were unlikely to get your money back. Now, with scheduled airline failure insurance you can make sure that you are covered if the airline goes bust. 

Many airlines are struggling and in the current climate it makes sense to play it safe. Check to see if scheduled airline failure insurance is included in your travel insurance or if you need to take out a separate policy. 

3. Consider putting everyone on the same policy if you have a pre-existing medical condition

It’s crucial that you let the insurers know if you have a pre-existing medical condition. If you don’t, and you fall ill, there’s a good chance you won’t be covered by your policy. Remember that if you are over 65 you might also need specialist insurance.

If you do have an existing medical condition then it can also be a good idea to put everyone else who is travelling with you on the same cover. That way, if you do get ill and have to cancel the trip, everyone will be covered for any financial losses. 

The alternative is for everyone to get their own cover, which can be cheaper initially but could end up costing your travelling companions more if you have to cancel due to your condition. 

4. Remember that you can cancel or amend your policy 

Things change and sometimes you might need to cancel or change your travel cover. Whether it is a last-minute change of heart or another reason for cancelling, remember that you generally have up to 14 days grace after you’ve bought your travel insurance. As long as you haven’t made a claim (or set off on your trip!) you should be able to cancel or change your policy without having to pay extra. 

5. Make sure your insurance covers all of the activities you’re planning

If you are just planning on lying on a sun lounger for a few days, the chances are that most general travel insurance policies will have you covered. However, if you are planning something a little more adventurous – such as rafting, bungee jumping or climbing – then you’ll probably need to pay a bit more for the extra insurance you will need. 

If you’re planning a trip away and need more advice on the travel insurance you need, get in touch. Call us today on 01274 515 747 or email us at mail@lwood.co.uk to find out more.