Travel Insurance Tips

Its often an after thought when booking a trip but good TravelInsurance can be a life saver if things go wrong, especially ifyou're thousands of miles away from home.At the very least a good travel insurance policy buys you alittle extra peace of mind. Or is it a false sense of security?With travel insurance companies estimating that up to 10% ofclaims are fraudulent, how can you be sure that any legitimateclaim you make gets paid?TIP 1 - Take a good look before you buyYou might assume that there's little difference between mosttravel insurance policies. In reality, the quality of cover andexcesses you'll have to pay can vary substantially. This mightnot be a concern now but will be crucial should you make a claim.Many disputes arise because people think they're covered butdiscover too late that they're never were. So before you simply opt for the cheapest premium, take a closerlook and check that you're comparing like with like. Inparticular, be sure to look at:*The excess: confirm how much of any claim you would have topay. If the excess is 50 per item that means you have to paythe first 50 of any claim for each item you are claiming for.*The maximum you claim for individual items.*What you're not covered for such as pre-existing medicalconditions.*The level of medical protection you have, particularly incountries like the USA where medical costs can be higher.*If you're covered for lost or stolen cash and how much.*If loss is covered as well as theft.*If 24-hour emergency assistance is included or optional.A comprehensive list of insurers can be found in the Travel Insurance Index.TIP 2 - Take a copy policy document with youA good travel insurance policy document will confirm theprocedures to follow in the event of a claim, what you arecovered for and who to call in an emergency.TIP 3 - Disclose any medical conditionsLike any insurance policy, travel insurance is a contractbetween you and the insurer based upon "utmost good faith". Thisrequires you to disclose anything that may affect the acceptanceor terms of a policy, any exclusions or its price.When completing the application form, be open and honest aboutyour medical history and any activities you're likely to takepart in, whether you think they're risky or not. If in doubtdeclare it anyway and if possible keep a copy of the form.TIP 4 - Document your valuable possessionsTake photo's and keep receipts for expensive items such asjewellery, cameras and designer clothing which you plan to takewith you on holiday.TIP 5 - Report thefts or losses immediatelyAny losses or thefts should be reported immediately to the localpolice. Get an accident report number or similar documentaryproof that you've officially reported the loss and if you're ona package holiday, again quickly report the situation to thehotel or travel company rep.If your bag is lost, stolen or damaged at the airport, report itimmediately and get a receipt from the airline or baggagehandler.TIP 6 - Be prepared for medical claimsPrevious E111 forms have now been replaced by the EuropeanHealth Insurance Card which entitles the holder to free medicaltreatment within Europe equivalent to that available on the NHS.Application forms are available from Post Offices and should besubmitted at least ten days before you travel. Before you leave check your policy document or contact theinsurer to confirm what precise steps your insurance companyrequires you to take in a medical emergency. TIP 7 - When you get homeIf you intend to make a claim, check the small print and contactyour insurer. Gather and submit all supporting documentation viarecorded delivery (keeping copies for yourself) as evidence ofyour claim. Submit receipts, photographs and copies of anypolice or medical reports you have received.Makes sure you keep copies all correspondence and make detailedrecords of every phone call, including the name of the personyou spoke with and the time of your call.TIP 8 - If your claim is refused?Your claim could be rejected for many reasons. For example mostpolicies won't cover alcohol-related incidents and like allinsurance you must take 'reasonable' care of your belongings.The first step is to appeal against the decision providingdetailed and specific points for your arguement backed up by anyadditional evidence. If you feel you have been poorly treatedyou can refer your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service whowill assess your claim independently.