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The importance of being prepared
Many people have a tendency to overlook travel insurance – or at best, get the cheapest policy they can find – on the assumption that it isn't really worth bothering with. This can be a big mistake, as not only will this kind of insurance have you covered if you lose your luggage or have your money stolen (for example), it'll also cover you in the event that you need medical attention. If the worst were to happen and you didn't have insurance in place, these costs could quickly escalate.
This is why it's so important to be prepared, and while price will of course come into it, it may not always be ideal to opt for the cheapest policy you come across. This is particularly the case if you'll be engaging in winter sports, for example, or even a golfing trip or scuba diving, as you may need a more comprehensive level of cover. It's all about finding the policy that meets your needs, so here are a few top tips to help you do just that.
Top tips to get the policy you need
- Think about how often you're planning to travel and buy a policy accordingly. Cover for a single trip will often be cheaper upfront, but if you're thinking about taking two or more trips in the next year, it could be more cost-effective to take out a multi-trip policy.
- Get suitable upgrades for certain activities. It goes without saying that you'll probably need an additional level of cover for things like skiing and scuba diving, but even less extreme activities (such as golfing or horse riding) could require an insurance upgrade. Make sure you know exactly what you're covered for, and if your desired activities aren't included, see if you can get the extra cover as an add-on.
- Check the small print. Checking the small print is essential for all kinds of insurance policy, and when it comes to travel insurance, you need to be particularly on the ball – some will have upper age limits, for example, while others won't cover you for unexpected events, and there may be additional restrictions associated with things like missed departure cover and policy limits. Again, it's vital to know exactly what you're covered for, so make sure to check.
- Make sure to fully disclose any medical conditions you have. Being covered for a pre-existing medical condition may bump up the price slightly, but if you made a claim related to a pre-existing condition that you didn't declare, it may be declined altogether – which would mean you're even more out of pocket. It's all about being prepared, and even if it costs slightly more, it could be worth it in the long run.
- Compare the options. As with all kinds of insurance, the key to getting the right deal for you is by comparing the options thoroughly. You should consider everything from the policy features and the add-ons that can be included to the eventual price of the policy, and if you use our insurance comparison tool, you could be one step closer to getting the policy you need at a price that's right for you.