Top 5 Things to Consider When Buying Single Trip Holiday Insurance

Posted by Insurance Processor Tips

Purchasing a single trip holiday insurance policy can be tricky if you don't know where to start-worse, just closing your eyes and picking the first 'all in' package you see online may be as bad as buying no cover at all. To help you make that crucial decision, we have compiled a neat list of five must-check factors.

Avoid Buying Insurance from the Airline

It's exceedingly tempting to buy your single trip holiday insurance from the same airline you're buying tickets from-after all, it's convenient and it takes only a single click. But be aware that airlines-and tour operators and travel agents for that matter-add their own mark-up to the price of the products they peddle. Why not buy directly from a reputable online insurer and leave out the middleman? You'll get the most reasonable prices you can get without compromising quality and coverage.

Check You're Not Already Covered

If you have a home insurance policy or at least a credit card, you may not even need to purchase separate holiday coverage. Most credit card companies include coverage for travel in their products, and it's the same with home insurance packages. If you do, you should still check the exact level of coverage you're getting-if the protection provided is less than what you would need in your trip, then it's useless and you're better off buying a separate policy.

Your Travel Frequency May Determine Your Insurance Type

If you're going abroad or making trips out of the country more than three times every year, buying an annual cover is better than getting a single trip holiday insurance. Obviously, despite the initial difference in price, the former costs less than the latter in the long run, especially if you're a frequent traveller. Please take note, however, that annual protection does not usually cover backpackers on extended trips.

Decide First About Your Actual Needs Before Comparison Shopping

Many people make the mistake of comparison shopping before actually finding out what amount of coverage they need. For example, if you're planning on bringing a gadget such as a laptop or an iPad with you, that inexpensive coverage you're getting might not be enough. Generally, good travel policies should cover for medical expenses of at least £2 million in Europe and £4 million worldwide.

Verify What They Mean By 'Worldwide Coverage'

The tricky thing about some single trip holiday insurance packages is the level of ambivalence you can find in the wording of the terms. For example, you don't actually have to purchase a worldwide policy if you're going to North Africa, as countries such as Morocco, Turkey and Egypt are still under Europe. Moreover, some insurers also exclude the US and Canada in their 'worldwide policies', so better check that out, too-you don't want to be in the middle of an emergency in the USA and find out too late that your 'worldwide coverage' is practically useless in your situation.

Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of Insuremore. We provide low cost travel insurance and offer a range of policies including single trip holiday insurance, annual, multi-trip and family cover. For all your travel cover needs, Insuremore can help you in the quickest and most cost-efficient way.


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