2017 is shaping up to be the year of long weekends. Eid al Adha, Arafat, and Al Hijri are all expected to fall on Thursday, meaning that a number of holidaymakers are heading abroad this September; and a number of them will tempt fate by travelling without insurance. If you\u2019re looking for a holiday sans criminal or medical scares, the cost and time dedicated to choosing a comprehensive travel insurance plan is worth it. But don\u2019t worry, you don\u2019t have to go it alone \u2013 this handy guide should help demystify the strange, complex world of travel insurance.<\/p>\n
The big if: do I need travel insurance? <\/strong><\/p>\n If you have a big appetite for risk \u2013 allergic to padlocks, uninterested in vaccinations, eat raw meat in hot places \u2013 then no, probably not. However, what those with mild travelling concerns should know is that travel insurance policies cover a myriad of different maladies and potential pitfalls; it\u2019s not just cover for lost baggage.<\/p>\n Comprehensive insurance protects you before your holiday has even begun, insuring that the large sum of money you\u2019ve spent in advance is not totally lost should you find yourself unable to travel. An accident, a relative falling ill, or even an almighty traffic jam have the potential to disrupt holiday plans \u2013 but fortunately, most travel insurance policies will cover cancellation or missed departure.<\/p>\n Naturally, most people insuring their holiday are concerned with what happens after they board. Theft, medical evacuation, missing baggage, death \u2013 anything and everything can happen. Travel insurance \u2013 though marred by a slew of ifs and buts (in the form of terms and conditions) \u2013 will salvage most of the costs involved should the unexpected happen. Then again, nothing could happen at all;\u00a0it\u2019s for you to determine what risks you are prepared to accept and whether it\u2019s worth paying out for something that may not be used.<\/p>\n How to choose the best travel insurance for you<\/strong><\/p>\n On average, travellers choose between two types of coverage: \u201cMedical Emergencies Only\u201d, most commonly used for the issuance of a travel visa, or \u201cComprehensive Travel Insurance\u201d, which covers an array of potential inconveniences as well as medical emergencies. Choosing the best insurance plan depends on your whether you are looking to simply have entrance to a country that requires you to have travel insurance (which is the case for Cuba and Uzbekistan), or to have comprehensive benefits that cover you in the event of delayed bagged, cancelled flights, loss of a passport, or Travel Medical.<\/p>\n Does property insurance \u00a0cover anything overseas?<\/strong><\/p>\n If opted for, home insurance can cover the personal belongings that you travel with, such as your mobile phone or wedding ring, against all risks.<\/p>\n As one of the major contributing factors to the pricing of medical policy, the area of cover dictates where you can go for elective treatment outside of the UAE. Certain comprehensive medical plans offer an extension of this area of cover in the event of an emergency. So, if you\u2019re looking for travel insurance without wanting to buy a whole new policy, check if there are opportunities to extend the category of insurance coverage with your provider.<\/p>\n Where can I pick up and claim travel insurance? <\/strong><\/p>\n You can usually submit claims directly to your insurance provider, your insurance broker, or airline if there is a pre-existing agreement between them and the insurer. To ensure a speedy claim process you should notify the authority relevant to where the claim occurred and request a report of what has happened. For example: a lost\/stolen phone should have an accompanying police report; if your flight is delayed or baggage lost, take your claims to be certified by the airlines themselves. Most insurers allow you to submit claims under certain value-thresholds online, however, if you decide to submit your originals via post, or hand it over to a broker, keep copies of all supporting documentation for added security.<\/p>\n Is there any time where travel insurance isn\u2019t necessary? <\/strong><\/p>\n Some of the time you have no choice \u2013 Cuba and Uzbekistan demand that all overseas visitors have travel insurance. Nevertheless, there are occasions where the benefits of bagging insurance do not outweigh the cost:<\/p>\n That being said, for most people, travel insurance is an excellent idea.<\/p>\n Buying travel insurance for single trip or investing in annual policy?<\/strong><\/p>\n It depends on your schedule and if you\u2019re looking and multiple trips for business or pleasure. If you typically take a two-week annual holiday abroad plus one short break, then insurance to cover specific trips probably has the best value. However, if you foresee yourself travelling more frequently, a policy that allows an unlimited number of overseas holidays each year ends up working quite well. Naturally, most are subject to a maximum trip length \u2013 usually a month,\u00a0but\u00a0there are always options to pay for extensions.<\/p>\n Will a price-comparison site help me find the best insurance for my buck?<\/strong><\/p>\n Searching online<\/a> will help you get a sense of price levels certainly, yet this is if you\u2019re an individual in the prime of your life with no desire to go on adventure thrills abroad. The same can\u2019t be said\u00a0if you are over 65, or have any pre-existing medical conditions \u2013 \u00a0online quotes you receive are subject to quite volatile price change with underwriting. If you\u2019re intending to go kayaking, hunting or any other adventurous activities in high-risk locations, expect the same level of quote instability.<\/p>\n In terms of offering, even the most economical deals will offer a strong level of medical cover, but with inadequate or no protection for cancellation, property loss and fringe benefits such as delays.<\/p>\n While it\u2019s important to find a policy within your means, it\u2019s critical that comparison websites don\u2019t detract you from the key reason for adopting travel insurance: receiving cover from risks that are vital to you. Don\u2019t lose sight of the importance of coverage tailored to your needs, and make sure that everything you want covered is, regardless of price.<\/p>\n Premiums are high for those with underlying illnesses. What happens if I lie about it? <\/strong><\/p>\n You could get found out. In the event of a medical claim, the insurer will want full details from your GP of any pre-existing medical issues related to the condition at hand. If it turns out that you did not disclose this ailment, the claim will most likely be turned down.<\/p>\n Travel insurance is a useful commodity, and for anyone who has missed a flight, lost baggage, or been forced to abort a trip too late to accrue a refund, the item they wish they bought in hindsight. We are naturally optimistic creatures that hope (key word here) that bad things won\u2019t happen to us, even if they happen to other people. Nevertheless, they do, and it\u2019s vital that holiday-goers consider the risks specific to their circumstance before turning their nose up the next time a travel agent offers them a travel insurance plan.<\/p>\n Related articles:<\/em><\/p>\n 6\u00a0Things to Consider When Selecting Your Group\u00a0Insurance Plan in The UAE<\/a><\/p>\n Consider These Points When Making Health Insurance Reimbursement Claims<\/a><\/p>\n\n