Choosing The Right Holiday Cover

If you're reading up about choosing the right kind of holiday cover for your trip, congratulations! You're way ahead of those people who haven't even considered it as an integral part of their travel plans.

The truth is, even the most easy-going, go-with-the-flow kind of trip could be made better with a little planning. After all, the only kind of free-style trip that usually works is the one that's planned for you! If you're going to do only one thing, the essential step you should take is to purchase insurance for your holiday. Cover any eventuality with the different kinds of plans available - from short-term, low-cost ones, to those that may run a little more expensive but are definitely more comprehensive.

Here are a few things you need to ask yourself in order to ensure that you choose the correct travel insurance plan.

What's In Your Regular Insurance Policy?

Many people forgo travel insurance thinking that their existing health cover includes illness and accidents abroad, then find out too late it doesn't - and definitely does not provide any allowance for medical evacuation. On the other hand, there are also people who buy insurance that turns out to be redundant. For example, many homeowners' policies include property and liability coverage, even for travelling, while many credit card companies offer medical assistance and baggage loss insurance if you charge your airfare to your card. What's more, some health insurance policies include overseas medical emergencies.

Take a look at your existing policies and check what eventualities are insured before you go on your holiday. Cover for cancellations and delays for your investment in fares and accommodation will definitely be needed.

Short Term Or Long-Term?

How often do you travel? If you travel frequently you may want to purchase an annual policy rather than just a single one. On the other hand, if you just travel overseas once a year, a single-trip policy will do.

Where Are You Going?

If you are travelling to a fairly familiar place, with access to modern facilities and services, you may not need to worry about ensuring your insurance includes paying for medical evacuation. A benefit for repatriation in case you need to be airlifted back to your home country for treatment, however, is always wise, particularly if travelling to an unfamiliar country, or one that is not known for modern facilities.

It is also a good idea to make sure your provider includes a 24-hour assistance line to help find doctors and lawyers should you need them, as well as to contact your family and provide other kinds of assistance in case of any emergencies.

Are There Special Provisions You Need?

You will need to check the provisions of your policy carefully to ensure you are well protected for your holiday. Cover for pre-existing conditions will need to be included, as well as any inclusions regarding accidents. Check whether injuries sustained during sports are covered too, particularly if you are planning to go skiing, snowboarding or take on some other form of strenuous activity.