I make no excuse in repeating myself. If you can't afford decent travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. There is no excuse to go on holiday without travel insurance.
We always think "it will never happen to me" and the last thing you want to think about is what can go wrong? But it is not always straightforward when something happens even when taking a quick trip to UK.
If you have an accident or are taken ill and you have an EHIC, you may receive free medical treatment. But what about the other costs such as additional accommodation costs for your travelling companion, cancellation of any ongoing trips or your return flight, and crucially, the cost of getting you home when you are fit enough to travel? The cost of Repatriation by Air or Road Ambulance will certainly make your eyes water!
What if your flight is delayed because of bad weather, industrial action or breakdown of your aircraft, train or ship? Or you miss your flight because of delay in public transport, or the vehicle taking you to the airport breaks down?
Consider the additional costs involved if your passport is lost, stolen or damaged, if your airline goes bust. Your baggage gets put on the wrong flight, or it is lost or stolen. The staff in you hotel go on strike.
How about the cost of Cancelling or cutting short your holiday because you or your travelling companion in unwell? Or if a close relative, business associate or someone you have planned to stay with becomes ill?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice is "Get comprehensive travel insurance".
The recent Foreign & Commonwealth Office report highlights the importance of obtaining appropriate travel insurance irrespective of your age.
The report raises concerns about the frequency they are asked to assist people who are landed with extremely high treatment and repatriation bills, as a result of travellers either not bothering to take out travel insurance, have failed to declare a pre-existing medical condition when arranging travel insurance, or have wrongly assumed that if they are travelling within Europe, their EHIC would fully cover them for all medical and other associated costs
Over the last 5 years, the cost of medical treatment has increased by over 270%.
The most common illnesses requiring treatment are stomach upsets, ear infections, allergies and heart problems. Travellers are also involved in a high number of road traffic accidents as well as other injuries in unfamiliar countries.
With so many of the reported incidents being preventable, the FCO is appealing to people travelling or going to live abroad to make some simple preparations before you go. The FCO recommends contacting you GP as early as possible to find out if any vaccinations or medication are advised. Be very careful about what you eat and drink and be alert to the hygiene of the establishments where your food is being prepared. With road accidents continuing to be a significant cause of accidents and deaths, Brits are also reminded to wear protective clothing and helmets, even if the locals don't, and to familiarise themselves with the local rules of the road.
Check with your airline that you can carry any medication in your hand luggage and pack enough supplies for your whole trip and possible delays. Keep your medication in is original packaging and take any prescription documents with you. Check with the embassy that the medication will be legal in the country you are visiting. Some over the counter medicines are illegal in other countries, For example it's illegal to take certain inhalers and allergy medications into Japan.
Author Resource:
Visit Globelink.co.uk to get a quote instantly and arrange cover securely online. Your comprehensive travel insurance Policy and Emergency Assistance Card will be delivered to you immediately by email. Cover for people living in UK and all other EU Countries.
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