Choosing travel insurance
The “right” travel insurance package to choose will be different from one person to the next. It will depend on your circ*mstances and the type of trip you are going on. Here are some of the most common factors that affect travel insurance fees and conditions.
For over-70s
You might be surprised to learn that over-70s are among the most frequently travelling age groups. They tend to pay a little more for their insurance, though.
Quality of cover and access to a 24-hour emergency helpline are among the features to look out for. Some policies will also cover a friend, family member or carer who travels with you.
For medical conditions
If you have a medical condition, it may be worth considering single-trip cover rather than an annual policy.
Unsurprisingly, people with medical conditions usually have to pay more for travel insurance. However, insurers are likely to offer better deals for one-off trips.
For families
Family travel insurance is usually cheaper than insuring every member of your family individually.
Also, some family travel insurance packages will include young children free of charge. If it’s an annual policy, it may cover parents taking a separate trip without the kids.
For cruising
Remember that rescue from a cruise boat won’t be covered by your European/Global Health Insurance Card. You’ll need more than that to stay protected while on a cruise.
Cruises are notorious for cancellations and itinerary changes. Look out for packages that will compensate you for missed parts of your excursion.
If you fall ill and have to be confined to your cabin, your trip may feel like a waste of money. Some travel insurance for cruises will compensate you for this, especially if it leads to a missed port departure.
For skiing
Insurers tend to see skiing holidays as coming with increased risk of injury. Also, like with cruising, being rescued from mountains or slopes isn’t covered by your European/Global Health Insurance Card.
Specialist skiing insurance will cover you for injuries running into millions of pounds. Also, consider the cost of part of your trip being cancelled, or your skiing equipment being lost, damaged or stolen. Your insurance policy should compensate you for all of this.
For pregnancy
Pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition with travel insurance. As long as it’s not affecting your health, you should not have to pay more simply for being pregnant. Most airlines will allow you to fly if you are up to 26 weeks pregnant.
If you are more than 28 weeks pregnant, you may not be allowed to board a plane without a note from your doctor.
