Travel insurance – for holiday treats and fitness retreats

Here’s what you can expect to be covered under a standard travel insurance policy.

Lost money from cancelled trips – in case you need to cancel travel plans at the last minute, perhaps due to an illness or injury.

Emergency medical expenses – If you happen to fall ill or get injured whilst on your travels.

Evacuation costs – the cost of getting you or someone you’re travelling back home may need covering

Baggage & delays – if your flight arrived later than expected or your baggage is lost damaged or stolen during your trip.

24/7 assistance – you will have the ability to contact someone about your policy whenever you need to.

Travel insurance is not a compulsory for most countries’ entry requirements. For instance, some countries still require proof of insurance covering COVID-19 before a visa for entry can be issued.

The high cost of healthcare, however, means that travel insurance might as well be compulsory when you’re travelling to some destinations. Some cruise companies are now also requiring proof of insurance for COVID-19 and medical evacuation from ship to shore.

There are typically two types of travel insurance. Single trips that cover departure from and return to the UK, all cover stops on your return to the UK, and you cannot travel again using same insurance. Annual multi-trip insurance is for one year that allows multiple trips from and back to the UK within this period however duration restrictions per trip will apply.

As an insurance broker, we work with a range of insurers to ensure all policies are as fully comprehensive and protective as possible. However, there are some aspects which are generally not covered in travel insurance policies. These are as follows:

• Alcohol and drugs – most travel insurance policies do not cover events that happen after you have drunk excessive alcohol or taken recreational drugs or other substances.
• High risk destinations – many travel insurers will not cover travel to a high-risk destination where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel or all travel.
• Age restrictions – check whether there are any age-related restrictions.
• Extreme sports – the likes of bungee jumping, jet skiing, quad biking, winter sports or skydiving are not usually included in standard policies.
• Driving overseas – If you’re hiring a car, check what cover the hire company provides. If you are driving your own vehicle, check your motor insurance policy to see what it covers.
• War and terrorist acts – most policies offer only limited cover for emergency medical expenses required as a consequence of war or terrorist acts.
• Unattended baggage – restrictions apply to losses from public vehicles, beaches, public areas and unattended motor vehicles.

It’s worth being aware that some standard travel insurance policies may exclude cover for claims related to a pre-existing medical condition. We can help you source specialist policies to instead cover these claims.