Reading through your policy won’t get
your pulse racing, but it’s essential to check how you’re covered,
what’s not covered and any conditions that apply before you set out –
whether you bought annual travel insurance or cover for a short trip.
Let’s face it, you won’t be in the mood to read through travel insurance
exclusions if you’re shivering with dengue fever in Borneo, or nursing a
broken hip..
You might think it’s ‘fine print’ but
you really don’t need that magnifying glass. So let’s look at a few
things you should consider:
- Medical insurance. If the guidebook told you there were piranhas and you go for a swim anyway this isn’t covered, as it is putting yourself in a needless risk situation, and are not taking reasonable care. If you get in an accident and seriously injured abroad, you need to know if your expenses are covered, particularly in the USA where medical costs can be huge, and that they’ll help fly you home if you’re not able to keep travelling.
- Sporting injuries. We wouldn’t dream of doubting your skills. But don’t hike up Table Mountain or bungee jump in New Zealand before checking if your policy covers it and if you’ll be helicoptered to hospital if you break a leg.
- Contents insurance. If you don’t like having thumbprints on the lens of that fancy camera, imagine how you’ll feel if it gets snatched out of your hands on your tour of Europe. Check whether your travel insurance policy covers all your gadgets or if you need to take out extra cover for more expensive gear. Many policies also have conditions that apply to high value items so be aware of any exclusions that might apply.
- Delay and cancellation. If the departures board is awash with cancellations, at least you might be able to spend your extended holiday in the airport with some of your expenses covered by your travel insurance.
Make sure you compare insurance plans to
get the right policy for you, whether you’re a carefree student,
trekking across Canada with your family, or relaxing on a cruise. And
think about how often you travel: do you need annual multi trip
insurance for your mini-break addiction or single trip insurance for a
one-off jaunt? If you’ve finally taken the plunge for a gap year or
career break, look out for backpacker and long-stay travel insurance.
