Why exactly do you need travel insurance?

While you are not required by law to take out travel insurance when you go abroad, it is highly advisable. For instance, if you were to become seriously ill in Australia, an air ambulance with doctor escort could set you back the best part of fifteen thousand pounds. Now if you had taken out an inexpensive travel insurance policy, then this would be no problem, but if you did not, then you would have to foot the bill yourself.

Many people fail to take out travel insurance cover in the mistaken belief that their other insurance policies, such as health insurance or life insurance, will offer them sufficient cover abroad, when in fact this is rarely the case. A typical travel insurance policy should offer:

Emergency medical expenses cover, which includes emergency medical costs and an airlift back to the UK for further treatment if necessary

24 hour emergency service and assistance

Personal liability insurance in case you get sued for damaging another persons property or injuring them while abroad

Insurance against the loss or theft of your belongings

Cancellation and curtailment insurance, in case your holiday plans go awry for whatever reason

It might also include legal insurance, personal accident insurance, and financial protection in case the airline or tour operator you are travelling with goes bust at any time.

However, it is extremely rare for travel insurance policies to pay out on claims arising from drink or drug abuse. Also, if you have not taken sensible precautions against the damaging or theft of your belongings, then the insurer may not be willing to pay for replacements, so it can pay to be careful even if you are insured.

It can definitely pay to shop around online to find the insurance that is right for you, at the best price you can find. Cheaper policies tend to offer less comprehensive cover, so it is important to check that the insurance really is adequate for your needs.

If you travel abroad a lot, you could potentially save yourself a whole lot of time, not to mention money, by taking out an annual insurance policy which will cover you for a number of excursions overseas.