What travel insurance do I need?

You’ll never know how important travel insurance is unless you need to make a claim. This could be before you go, if your trip has to be cancelled due to an unexpected event; while you’re away, if you’re taken ill or have an accident and need medical treatment; or when you get back, if your baggage doesn’t arrive home when you do.

Put like that, we imagine most people would see the benefits of buying cover once they’ve shelled out for their dream getaway.

Why is travel insurance important?

Buying cover for your holiday is a good idea because it protects your plans, your possessions and your purse.

You might think you don’t need it if you’re not travelling far. Or you might be willing to take the risk if you’re not going for long. You may even be worried it’ll be too expensive if you have pre-existing medical conditions to declare.

But the real cost could come if you end up having to pay for medical treatment abroad yourself if a reciprocal state healthcare agreement doesn’t cover it.

Michelle Cooper, Director of Travel Insurance adds: "Travel insurance can cover you if you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly, but it depends on the reason. If you or a travelling companion falls ill, experiences a bereavement, or faces another unforeseen event covered by your policy, you may be able to claim for the costs.

"That’s why it’s important to purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, as unexpected circumstances may arise at any time. This will ensure any costs paid (including deposits) are insured against loss."

Why do you need a GHIC card?

UK travellers to Europe can apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Despite its name suggesting otherwise, the GHIC, which replaces the old EHIC card, entitles you to state healthcare in Europe only.

There are conditions attached for its use in Switzerland and it’s not valid in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. You should always check what level of healthcare the GHIC gives you in the country you’re visiting before you go abroad.

For some holidaymakers, it’s enough to know they can get emergency or necessary medical care in most European countries in the same way residents do.

But they might not realise that this doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be free or that the costs will be reimbursed. And they may have to do a bit of leg work in the country they’re visiting to find out what the situation is when it comes to seeing a doctor or dentist, or getting hospital treatment.

The Gov.uk website advises that an EHIC or GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. You should always carry a valid card while you’re overseas, but you need to be aware of its limitations – it certainly won’t cover the cost of being flown back to the UK if you need medical repatriation or being rescued from a mountain!

What happens if you get ill on holiday?

You may have been travelling for years without experiencing any costly problems, but it’s easy to underestimate the expense of getting medical treatment abroad when you’re so used to having the NHS at home.

If you fall ill on holiday and don’t have travel insurance in place, you could be liable for meeting the cost of treatment and medical bills yourself.

Most travel insurance policies include high levels of cover for emergency medical expenses abroad. This means if you need emergency treatment while you're away, your insurer will pay the hospital directly.

Emergency medical expenses cover also usually includes repatriation costs for travelling back home earlier or later than planned or even under medical supervision.

Travel insurance can also cover you if you need to cancel or abandon your holiday plans due to sudden sickness or another unforeseen event. Simply choose the cancellation cover option when you buy a policy. Then if something unexpected happens before you go or while you’re away which means the trip can’t continue, you won’t be left out of pocket.

Always declare existing medical conditions

When buying travel insurance, it’s essential you’re properly covered. Claims can be declined if you need medical treatment for a pre-existing condition that you haven’t told your insurer about. Always specify these when getting a quote for a policy. And if the insurance company you contact doesn’t cover your medical conditions, find one that does.

What travel insurance do I need?

Travel insurance can protect you if your holiday doesn’t go to plan and it’s important to get the right type of cover for your needs.

This will depend on where you’re going, how often you’re planning to travel, whether you’re doing any activity that needs special insurance, such as skiing, and whether you’ve got any medical conditions.