Compare Policy tips for travel insurance Do... Make sure you take out your insurance before you travel. It sounds obvious  but is easily forgotten especially when you think someone else was going to do it!  Always declare any relevant pre-existing health issues for all those covered by the policy.  You may need to call a special number for your policy to explain your health problems before your insurance is valid. Check how many children are covered under a family policy?  Ensure the policy will cover a full refund of your costs if the trip is cancelled or cut short for any reason? Always be sure to check that the cancellation cover start immediately?  Find out if the policy covers personal liability. If you accidentally cause injury or damage to others and/or their property and they sue you? Check that the policy offers reimbursement of legal expenses incurred if a damage claim needs to be made?  Make sure that your policy includes cover for any unusual or dangerous holiday activities.  Such as Skiing, Water Sports, Climbing, Cycling, etc.    Ensure that you take your Travel Policy and all relevant documentation with you.  This includes contact numbers back home in case of emergency. Also, ensure that the policy provides a 24-hour emergency service/assistance.   Think about the value of the property you take with you so that the limit for stolen, lost or damaged possessions is enough to cover what the items are worth?   Don’t..   Think that buying a cheap “bargain” price policy is a good idea without first checking the small print very carefully for cover, exclusions and policy excesses. Remember the cheap price can mean poor cover.  Be tempted to go without cover to keep down the cost of your holiday.   Think that you can rely on your credit card cover as this only provides cover for accidents.  It is not comprehensive and excludes important features such as repatriation or cancellation cover. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends that the level of cover should be £1 million for Europe and £2 million for the rest of the world. Lastly..    If you are a regular traveller why not kompare the cost of single-trip cover with an annual policy.  If you do this don’t forget to compare the points above for both types.

Swine Flu: Travel update   Am I covered to cancel my holiday? If you have been diagnosed with Swine Flu, and need to cancel your holiday, the condition should be treated as any other medical condition, and the Insurer should consider a claim within the terms and conditions of the policy.  How do I claim? You will probably be required to provide a medical certificate from your GP or medical practitioner. If you cannot see a GP or a medical practitioner, you will probably be required to supply the unique ID number generated by the National Pandemic Flu Service, together with the original label on your anti-flu drugs (This will confirm your name & date of issue) as proof of diagnosis to validate the claim.  Will I be covered if I think I've got swine flu, and decide not to go on holiday? If you think you have Swine Flu you need to contact the National Pandemic Flu Service for advice and a diagnosis. You will need to follow the same outlined procedures as above. What happens if I contract swine flu while I'm on holiday? A claim should be considered for the relevant medical expenses associated with the treatment for swine flu while you are on holiday.  If you need to remain abroad until you recover which is a precaution that is advised by the British Government, you should be able to claim for cancelled or rescheduled flights and the cost of additional accommodation. To satisfy a claim, you must contact, and have agreement from, the 24 hour worldwide emergency assistance company to either extend your stay or be repatriated early.   Their contact numbers are located on your certificate and are also located in your policy terms and conditions.  What happens If I contract swine flu and become quarantined on holiday? If you are quarantined overseas because you have Swine Flu or because you have been in contact with someone who has swine flu you should be able to claim for cancelled or rescheduled flights and the cost of additional accommodation. To satisfy a claim, you must contact, and have agreement from the 24 hour worldwide emergency assistance company to either extend your stay or be repatriated early.   Their contact numbers are located on your certificate and are also located in your policy terms and conditions.  Am I covered if I go to the airport and they do not allow me to board the plane? If you are refused boarding because you have swine flu, which is subsequently diagnosed by a medical practitioner or by the National Flu Service, then a claim will be considered under the terms and conditions of the policy. Refer to the 'How do I claim' information above. If refused boarding and there is no evidence of swine flu, you would need to make a claim against the airline as you were fit to fly.   Will the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover me for swine flu? If you are traveling within the EU make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The card is free for all UK residents and entitles you to the same medical treatment as that received by the locals of the country you are visiting.  If you are diagnosed with swine flu whilst in the EU the EHIC will allow for free emergency medical treatment.  However, the EHIC is NOT a substitute for travel insurance and instead complements it. Travel insurance provides cover for the costs of having to reschedule flights, repatriation or extend your visit to allow you to recover from an illness or injury if required. However, you must contact and have agreement from the 24 hour worldwide emergency assistance company to either extend your stay or be repatriated early. What cover is offered by private medical insurance? Private medical insurance will only ensure you receive treatment in the UK, unless you take out an international policy, but this is really only necessary if you are a UK national that lives or works abroad. However, private medical insurance will not cover other associated costs, such as extending your stay or having to cancel or delay flights – you'll need travel insurance for this.   You should check directly with your insurer for clarification.   For additional information, please use the links below to access the FCO and ABTA websites: www.fco.gov.uk/travel www.abta.com/swine_flu