By Matt Fernell, Editor at Finance.co.uk. Last updated 1st May 2024.
When going on a trip abroad, either for work or a holiday, it's crucial that you get travel insurance to cover you financially if anything goes wrong.
With travel insurance being an essential expense when going away, it's wise to do what you can to get the best policy available to you. The best way to do this is to compare the providers against your needs and requirements.
Use our helpful checklist below to ensure that you have every consideration covered when selecting your single trip travel insurance policy.
Travel insurance can be used to provide cover for multiple situations and occurrences. There are numerous must-have features that you should expect your travel insurance policy to cover as standard. These include:
Your policy should cover the cost of any treatments or emergency surgeries you might have had when overseas. A good policy will cover you up to £1M for European travel and £2M in the United States.
This insurance will only cover urgent treatments that can't be delayed until you get home.
This should cover the costs of getting you back home for medical reasons. This also includes paying for any flights you may have missed because of getting medical treatment.
If you've had to cut your trip short, your policy should provide cover to help you pay for any accommodation or other travel costs that you can't use or payback.
Your policy should include cover that protects you if you've had to pay extra for accommodation because of missing a flight. You can only claim if this delay was out of your control, such as a public transport delay or being involved in an accident.
If your travel plans are delayed, your insurance provider should pay a certain amount. This delay can be because of poor weather, industrial action, or mechanical breakdown.
You should expect your policy to cover any damaged, lost, stolen or destroyed luggage.
This type of cover ensures you're insured if you have to pay damages for accidental bodily injury or damages to someone's property. A good policy will cover you up to £2M, although claims made by family members or work staff won't be covered.
In addition to this, a good travel insurance policy will also offer you the following. You should favour these insurance providers if you're looking for more comprehensive cover:
This provides cover for the costs of emergency dental work while you're away. Cosmetic treatments are not covered.
This policy covers you for any insured losses if an act of terrorism impacts you while you're away.
If you lose your passport, an insurance provider should cover any extra travel and accommodation you needed to make to replace your lost passport.
Who you're travelling with could alter the travel insurance policy that you choose.
It might be worth considering a single family policy if you're travelling with family. This can provide your entire family with cover, and some providers might offer free coverage for your children, making it perfect for young families.
Group policies can be complicated to set up, though, and if you're travelling with friends, it might be better to insure yourself as an individual. This will allow you to get the cover that you want and could also be cheaper.
What you're planning to do on holiday can alter what type of single trip insurance policy suits you. If you're planning on visiting a beach all day, then the cover you need will alter a lot from those considering extreme sports such as skiing and scuba diving.
If you are engaging in extreme sports, then you'll have to add that coverage into your insurance policy, as that won't be covered as standard.
The duration of your trip abroad could dictate what insurance policy you choose. The majority of insurance providers will only provide cover for trips under 30 days under one policy. If you're planning on making a longer trip beyond this time, you'll need to choose a provider who offers longer travel periods, called long-stay travel insurance.
When getting insurance, the cost of it will depend on a few details about yourself. For example, if you're a smoker or have any pre-existing medical conditions, you can expect to pay a higher fee for insurance, as you'll be viewed as a higher-risk individual.
If you do suffer from medical conditions, it's important that you declare it and don't lie, even if doing so saves you money. This is because if you need cover that is related to your pre-existing medical condition, you won't get anything. Staying honest will ensure that you get the best travel insurance for you.
It is imperative to compare several quotes to get the right cover for the right rate. Otherwise, you might pay more on your policy yet not get the cover you need or prefer.
It is ideal to compare quotes that offer all the cover you need for your travel. This can also help you afford the possible excess that you need to pay if you make a claim.
Getting travel insurance can be tricky, but you can find the right provider for your needs by using a plan when searching the market.
The information provided does not constitute financial advice, it’s always important to do your own research to ensure a financial product is right for your circumstances. If you’re unsure you should contact an independent financial advisor.
