How to avoid disputes over your travel insurance

 

If you have an accident abroad then there is only one thing worse than not having travel insurance – and that is having travel insurance that doesn’t give you adequate cover. Only too frequently tourists are forced to pay out on eventualities that they thought were covered by their insurance. To avoid these sorts of situations, the best tactic is to plan carefully before you fly.

 

1. Check the policy carefully: Don’t simply tick the ‘optional travel insurance’ box without checking the cover it provides you with. The most important things to look out for include anything that the insurance might not cover, such as pre-existing medical conditions; the extent of medical protection, particularly if you plan to travel to North America; the maximum amount you can claim; whether loss is covered as well as theft; and whether the insurance provider offers 24-hour emergency assistance. Using an independent insurer rather than a package will also allow you to get more personalised cover – Go Travel and AA Travel all offer competitive deals on travel insurance.

 

2. Be honest: If you fail to declare anything that the might be relevant to the effectiveness of the policy then your travel insurance may be invalidated. You should disclose any existing medical conditions, as well as being honest about the activities you might engage in on holiday (such as skiing or adventure sports).

 

3. Keep the policy with you: Don’t leave the documentation behind you when you go on holiday – it may be necessary to show your travel insurance policy abroad, for example to ensure that you are given appropriate medical care. The policy will also tell you what to do in the event of a loss or theft and who to call in an emergency.

 

4. Keep a record of your valuables: Help protect expensive items you are carrying with you by keeping records. Taking a picture of the item and leaving this at home along with any receipts will help support any insurance claims you make. One of the most common travel insurance disputes regards the existence and loss of valuable items, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.