Backpacker Insurance for Gap Year Hazards

Backpacker insurance for gap year hazards should never be ignored. A gap year adventure should be the most exciting trip that any young person will experience in their lifetime. That first taste of freedom and adventure, where you inevitably hook up with like-minded travellers and make memories and lifetime friends. In all the excitement and anticipation of the trip it is natural to want to ignore the potential hazards - and with a heap of good luck nothing will go wrong. After all, you have spent many months planning the trip and doing your research...

Many gap year travellers choose popular long-haul destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Africa and Australia - all a long way from home. Needless to say, setting off on such a fantastic adventure would be crazy without the peace of mind of a quality Backpacker travel insurance policy tucked in your rucksack

The importance of researching your destination(s) cannot be emphasised strongly enough. With any luck you will not run into any hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, typhoons or tropical diseases along the way, but with some preparation and knowledge you can be ready to face anything thrown at you.

We always recommend that travellers visit the website of the British Foreign Office for the latest travel advice, and this service is offered for free by most governments. Staying safe and personal security on your travels is always a concern. You'll need to be aware of the current political situation and potential hazards you could encounter - and, most important, what to do and where to go for help if anything does go wrong.

Personal safety and security is of prime concern, as most countries have problems with pick-pocketing, mugging, drink spiking, and various scams.

Being caught in possession of any illegal drugs or substances can, in some countries, result in very serious charges, imprisonment, and even the death penalty!Read up on the local laws and customs of the country you are visiting and respect their rules and dress codes to avoid trouble. Again, it is important to know that travel insurance is unlikely to cover any claims related to your use or possession of illegal substances or abuse of alcohol.

A cheap backpacker policy automatically covers a range of sporting activities that are considered hazardous. Always check the policy to see what is and is not covered before you set off on your trip. One-off activities like a bungee jump or elephant ride are normally covered.

Most important is to have excellent cover for Medical Expenses - and always check that it includes Repatriation. Falling ill or sustaining an accidental injury while halfway around the world in a remote area could cost many thousands of pounds. You may need to be flown to a neighbouring country for specialised treatment - all very expensive. Without insurance you, or your family will have to foot the bill. Your consulate or embassy is on hand to provide limited help, but they do not pay your bills, and ignorance is no excuse...

One of the biggest problems travellers face is the loss or theft of their passports. This is something normally covered by your travel insurance. The nearest consulate or embassy will help you to obtain a new travel document, but it is not free!

A cheap backpacker policy should also provide cover for things like Mugging, Missed Departure, Scheduled Airline Failure, Hijack, Personal Liability and Legal Expenses. Most Backpacker policies are cheaper because they are 'light' on cover for luggage and possessions. There's no point paying for cover that you do not need.

If you are busy planning your gap year adventure and are under the impression that insurance is unnecessary, or you have not factored the cost into your budget, why not discuss it with your parents or family members. Rather than set off uninsured, ask if they will purchase a policy for you as a farewell gift. They should be motivated to help, because allowing you to travel uninsured may bring them a world of trouble if the worst should happen and you run into hazards while you are on the other side of the world.

The news is full of tragedies of this type all the time - where families suffer hardship and often have to organise fundraisers to find the tens of thousands of pounds needed to fly their loved ones home. The cost of a Backpacker policy is such a small price to pay for peace of mind for you and your family.

8 Tips to Save on Travel Insurance

There is one aspect that you have always to remember before starting your trip: Travel Insurance. Any health or accident issue abroad can lead to exorbitant costs.

One night in a hospital in USA can easily result in over $10,000. There are many cases where people were treated abroad and afterwards got six-digits medical bills. Obviously such issues as a stolen laptop or video camera can be quite costly as well.

We created a long list of travel insurance tips to help you to save on travel insurance! So, let's start!

1. Travel medical on your credit card: Check your credit cards - one or two may already have Travel Medical Protection, both for you and sometimes for your family members too.

2. Various credit card perks: Not sure if you need to buy a Flight Delay, Trip Interruption/Cancellation and Baggage Loss - check out your credit cards, sometimes you will be surprised what you will find.

3. Liability via Home Insurance: Thinking to buy an extra Umbrella / Liability insurance for your trip e.g. in case you hit somebody when skiing? Your Home Insurance might already have a worldwide umbrella protection - check the policy or ask your broker / insurance provider.

4. Protection for belongings: Wondering if you need to pay extra to protect some of your belongings while on a trip (e.g. expensive camera) - your home insurance might protect them as well while you are travelling and have them with you.

5. Multi-trip travel insurance: If you travel several times a year, it often makes sense to take a multi-trip insurance policy as opposed to getting every time single-trip policy.

6. Family travel insurance: If you travel as a family, it sometimes makes sense to buy a family travel insurance policy rather than buying a separate plan for each member of the family.

7. Shop around: Search, Compare, and switch insurance companies. There are many insurance providers and their price offerings for the same policies can be very different, therefore use multiple online tools and talk to several brokers since each will cover a limited number of insurance companies.

8. Burglary insurance:Some credit cards offer this kind of protection if some of your personal belongings disappear from your hotel or motel. Don't forget to pay for your trip and hotel stay with a credit card that offers this protection. Attention: your protection may extend to USA but not necessary to other countries e.g. Mexico.

Holiday Season Is Here! Do You Have A Good Travel Insurance?

What is Travel Insurance? Why will we need It?
To put it merely, travel insurance could be a variety of insurance that covers money losses as well as medical expenses incurred whereas movement inside the country or internationally. Travel policy is meant to shield your health, belongings, and your finances throughout the course of your trip. whereas it is a smart plan to require out travel insurance on international visits, it is also safe to examine what your insurance covers.

Travel is one in all life's greatest pleasures, however even the foremost rigorously planned trip is difficult by unforeseen events. whether or not it\'s lost bags, off flights, or medical emergencies, associate surprising event will cause a money crisis. Hence, it's essential to shop for a decent travel policy which will safeguard your journey and build your vacation a really unforgettable one.

Travel policy has perpetually been perceived as associate optional  package. But, while not the right coverage, you will be followed home by a string of incidental expenses.

How will we elect the simplest Travel Insurance?

Today, travel policies escort a spread of choices however selecting the correct quite contract is very important. a decent travel policy is one that covers you for what you would like, and does not charge you for coverages you do not.

While it is a smart plan to require out travel insurance on international visits, it is also safe to examine what your insurance covers. Remember, on-line travel policy solely covers trip cancellations surely reasons, as well as illness, a death within the family, or severe weather.

When characteristic the simplest on-line travel policy for yourself and family, hunt for the subsequent policy details:

• what percentage relations / people area unit covered?
• What area unit the expenses covered?
• What area unit the various plans available?
• what is the most coverage offered?
• will the policy cowl pre-existing conditions?
• will the supplier have a worldwide, 24/7 emergency contact number?
• will insurance be purchased and revived online?
• is that the policy applicable only if movement abroad or maybe inside one\'s own country?
• will the travel policy cowl multi-trips?
• will the policy give coverage for journey sports?

What ought to a perfect Travel contract Cover?

While travel insurance policies escort a spread of advantages, the subsequent area unit the mandatory covers you ought to look for:

• Medical associated health protect an injury or unexpected malady abroad
• 24-hour emergency service and help
• Lost and taken possessions cowl as well as passport
• Trip cancellation cowl

While it's not mandatory, most travel firms typically put into effect some kind of insurance as a stipulation of their vacation product. Travel Insurance has perpetually been perceived as associate optional  package. But, it covers many things that guarantee you peace of mind. Business or leisure, bear in mind to insure before going away.

Travel Health Insurance – Necessity, Not Indulgence

Travel health insurance has never been a part of the insurance priority list of people, who travel abroad. However, the fact of the matter remains that possessing a comprehensive health insurance while globe trotting helps us to deal with any kind of untoward incident that needs emergency medical assistance, in a new country. Today, a travel health insurance policy can be purchased online, at affordable rates from reputed online insurance companies. The benefits of this kind of health insurance are,

• Access to better medical help

International travel health insurance provides you access to skilled medical professionals and health care providers in the area you reside, in a foreign country. The task of finding the best doctors in a different nation during an emergency situation can be daunting, which is made considerably easier by this insurance policy.

• Mitigating the health care costs

Ordinary health insurance coverage will offer a comprehensive coverage in the native country only, but the same plan cannot cover any kind of medical costs in another country. An international travel health insurance, on the other hand will substantially reduce the costs associated with health care charges abroad that can be extremely expensive, otherwise.

• Provision of additional coverage with the right plan

A good travel health care insurance policy not only allows you to reduce medical expenses overseas and to manage health emergencies but also to safeguard your belongings like laptop and camera among others. A perfect international travel health care insurance chosen by you can protect other belongings, along with health. You can even avail group international travel health care insurance.

• Protection for senior citizens with health complications

These kinds of policies become essential for senior citizens who have pre-existing medical complications that may require immediate help, if their physical condition worsens during travel or during their stay in another country. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand the policy completely, owing to the possibility of the claim being denied, if the physical problem of the senior tourist has a different kind of health scare, unrelated to his pre-existing condition. 

Purchasing a travel health insurance policy, allows you to enjoy the foreign trip, without being worried about facing unfavorable episodes, with regards to a sudden deterioration in health, surgery, hospitalizations, medical evacuation or an accident. Choosing and buying a comprehensive travel health care policy from the right insurance firm allows you to experience hassle free globe trotting.

Holiday Accident Claims

Going on holiday is something which we all look forward to hopefully every year if we are lucky enough. When we go on holiday it is very easy to let out hair down and to let our inhibitions go. We must be careful however that we don't relax too much and leave ourselves open to accidents. However we can be as careful as possible and accidents can still befall us through other people's negligence and through no fault of out own.

Sometimes when we are abroad we get lulled into a false sense of security and forget where our usual every day barriers area. For example, we may try white water rafting or bungee jumping for the first time. We may never even have considered trying this in the past and al sensibilities may have flown out of the window. This is a real danger zone as different countries may not have the same safety standards as we do here in the UK. If you are practicing any new or dangerous sports abroad then do check out the qualifications of the staff there and see if they are a member of any professional bodies. This could be the difference between a fun time and a ruined holiday with potential lasting repercussions.

It is important if one has suffered abroad through someone else's negligence, that they make a claim and get the ball rolling within three years of the event itself. The first thing to do is to call the claims company and have a no obligation chat about a no win no fee claim. Don't be too proud to make that call as you are entitled to compensation for your suffering, for your loss of earnings and for any cash you have outlaid along the way on your journey.

Don't be put off with regards to claiming for holiday accident damages. It is likely that you will have lost a great deal of money due to the events which have befallen you and that you may need help to get back on your feet again. What is very good news is that using the services of a claims company under a no win no fee system is free and that if you win you will generally get to keep 100% of the compensation with the fees for the proceedings coming from the other party. This is a wonderful system as everyone from the very rich to those on a modest income can benefit from it. When you call the claims company you will be put through to a claims handler who will be able to tell you if you have a case and then a lawyer will be assigned to you.

So, no matter whatever walk of life you are from and no matter what age you are, you could have a claim for holiday accident compensation. All calls are handled with complete confidentiality and there is no obligation whatsoever to pursue the case when you contact a holiday accident claims company.

Factors That Influence You to Buy Travel Insurance

Buying travel insurance before a holiday has become important. One of the most important things to plan before travelling is a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover your trip. However, there are some people who remain unaware of the importance of having a travelling insurance policy in place while abroad and for many, insurance policy is the least important task to consider before departure. Some of the factors that highlight the importance of having being insured during travel are outlined below

Medical Expenses

The most important reason to purchase a comprehensive Insurance policy to cover your holiday is to cover the cost of medical expenses while abroad. In the event of an accident or unforeseen illness emergency medical assistance may be required. The cost of medical care varies in different parts of the world and can be very expensive in some locations. Air ambulance and repatriation cost will also be covered in the event of a serious illness or accident.

Holiday Cancellation

In the event of an illness or bodily injury of you, a travelling companion or a close relative or a death in the family, forcing you to cancel your trip, financial loss may occur. If the illness occurs just days before your trip you may have all payments made in full for flights, accommodation, travel tickets etc. and cancelling your trip will result in a huge loss and disappointment. A good insurance policy is designed to cover such losses.

Missed Flights

Allowing yourself sufficient time to get to the airport and check in before your flight is important so minor delays will not result in a missed flight. However, unexpected delays may occur such as a breakdown of your vehicle on the way to the airport or a breakdown of another vehicle causing traffic delays and causing you to miss your flight. With comprehensive holiday insurance in place, the cost of an additional flight and any reasonable accommodation expenses incurred in reaching your overseas destination will be fully covered.

Theft or Loss of personal belongings

Unfortunately, tourists are often the victims of muggings in foreign countries. The theft of personal belongings and personal money is covered under most insurance plans. Loss or theft of important documents such as passports, credit cards, travelling documents and Visas is very serious and is important to have adequate cover for such losses.

Curtailment

In the event of a death or serious illness of a close relative at home while you are abroad the cost of curtailing your trip will be covered.

Checklist before buying travel insurance

Are your medical expenses abroad covered?

Anyone can get sick, whether at home or abroad. Make sure that your insurance policy covers all hospital bills along with prescription costs that you incur overseas.

Is there any accidental cover?

Accidents on holidays are common as you participate in activities you are new to or may not partake in at home. You can protect yourself by being alert but this is not possible at all times. It is important that the insurance provider covers your emergency medical evacuations by air if necessary, which you may need if travelling to a remote location where there is no medical help nearby.

Flight cancelled! Now what?

Strike, airline insolvency, adverse weather or mechanical breakdowns all cause flight delays or cancellations. Every year thousands of flights are cancelled by airlines due to different issues which affects holidays. By having a travelling insurance policy that offers cover for sudden flight cancellation by airlines, ensures that the additional expenses incurred in purchasing alternative flight tickets will be reimbursed.

You have to cancel the whole holiday!

Imagine just before the scheduled travel date, your child becomes ill with chicken pox. You have purchased non refundable air tickets and have already booked a hotel. If the trip is cancelled you will be at a huge loss. So trip cancellation cover must be included in your insurance policy documents.

These points are very important and should be followed strictly before buying any travel insurance policy. By considering these points, your holidays will be covered so you can concentrate on packing!

Student Insurance Protects You From Any Unexpected Medical Expenses

The importance of student insurance cannot be overlooked, as these policies protect them from any untoward incidence. Medical incidences and accidents can be never predicted however you can be always be prepared to tackle them. People with low financial support, might always think of purchasing a policy, which offers them maximum coverage.

Student insurance is quite similar to the other types of policies, and the only difference being that they are exclusively designed for students. Auto and medical policies are some of the common insurance that is purchased for these students. The premium amount of these policies mainly depends upon the features and benefits you sign up.

Types of Student Insurance Policy:

Students need auto insurance as they commute to their college in a vehicle. There are non-owner's vehicle insurance policies that are also available. These policies protect you in case you are driving a rented vehicle or your own. The whole idea is to keep you well protected all the time, so that you can confidently face any eventuality.

Being a student, it is very obvious that they might not enough money to compensate the damages. It is thus mandatory to sign for a reliable insurance policy that will cover up the maximum losses, in case there is any. With so many companies in the market you might be confused in choosing the right kind of policy.

Online Insurance Schemes:

You can easily find one of the best and reliable online student insurance, which will meet your demands and will provide you with more benefits. Health insurance is one of the much sold policies, as they are meant to take care of any medical related expenses. The premium amount mainly depends upon the age of the students, their health issues, types of policies and features, and many others.

It is mandatory to pay the premium amount well on time, so as to enjoy the benefits of the same. Some of the medical expenses can be quite expensive and unaffordable. However, with a reliable cover, you will always be on a safer side. There are many student travel policies available for those who are travelling abroad for studies.

You could get a lot of information about online student insurance over the net. Also, you could also find insurance review websites, where they show the comparison study of offers from multiple service providers. That will help you get a clear picture about the various policies that are available.

Benefits of an Insurance Policy for Students:

Security and assurance are the 2 important factors that need to be considered prior to the purchase of policy. The other benefits offered by a reliable policy are as follows -

a. They unburden your financial responsibility, in case you encounter any unexpected incidences 
b. With the increase in the number of insurance companies, you can easily find the one that suit your requirements 
c. All you need to do is pay premium on a regular basis, so that you enjoy greater benefits 
d. The terms and conditions of the policy plays an important role in deciding which scheme to take upon

Tips On How To Secure The Best Kind Of Travel Insurance

Human as we are, we cannot always account for contingencies. It's especially the case if we are caught in risky situations. Take for example when you travel. Whether you do your traveling on land, water, or air, you still expose yourself to a number of risks. Even if modern technology has brought us so many amazing developments in terms of human transportation, we can't afford to be complacent. A modern car, for example, is not a guarantee that you will not run into an accident. Hence, it is imperative that we should secure the proper coverage whenever we travel.

When selecting a travel insurance policy, there are a few things we need to think about. Keep in mind that getting a coverage is by no means cheap. You will still have to spend a certain amount of money depending on the type of coverage you need. You also need to be careful so that you don't spend so much on a policy that won't really address your needs. So let's try to go over some of the more basic stuff when selecting the best travel insurance. First of all, you should look into the bare essentials. For example, a policy with 24-hour assistance on top of medical expense reimbursement is a commendable one.

However, these are not the only considerations. You should also think about the cancellation limits and claims on luggage and personal effects included with the policy. That way, you get an almost complete coverage. Plus, you will be able to travel with peace of mind knowing that the bare essentials are properly addressed. Next, canvass for such policies thoroughly. Keep in mind that the cheapest policy is not always the best one. If you are working on a budget, then just be more diligent in searching for a decent policy. There are so many travel insurance companies around, so choose wisely.

Last of all, never forget to read the fine print, as the old saying goes. A lot of people have the tendency to be enticed by deceptive advertising. For example, a policy may declare that it can give up to $10,000 coverage on your luggage. However, you may not have noticed the exception clause in the fine print. With that clause, it seems that the company will reimburse only up to $1,000. So while you're paying a lot on the premiums, you're just getting a measly return on your coverage. So before signing any contract, make sure you go over all the details.

10 Tips to Buy the Smartest Travel Insurance Policy

Why invest in travel insurance?

Travel insurance is the backbone of your travel plan as you can not only be at peace but also can ask for compensation in case of any uncertain event occurring during your vacation. There are many benefits of investing in a suitable travel coverage plan. The frequency of uncertainties has increased these days. Terrorist attacks, thefts and robbery are some of the commonly happening events. You never know how bad you will be affected by such uncertain events while you are out in an unknown destination for a vacation. Insurance is a tool that helps you stay protected throughout your trip and offers you good amount of compensation in case of any emergency or an uncertain event. Nowadays, buying suitable travel coverage tops the list of any travel plan. The tourism industry in India is doing a great job by offering attractive travel packages to the residents. Buying a suitable travel insurance plan to match your vacation package has never been so easy before.

Buying travel insurance online

It takes just a few clicks online to search for available travel plans and compare them with their features and coverage details. Comparing available travel coverage plans through online quotes is the smartest way to search for the most suitable ones. As premium is the primary factor to consider, you can calculate the premiums associated with different plans by using the online calculators and invest in the smartest one.

Tips to buy online travel insurance

Here are some effective tips to buy travel insurance policy that suits your requirements:

• Before searching for the travel coverage policy, firstly decide about the place where you would like to spend your vacation at. After you finalize the travel destination, search for reputed travel companies online and ask for the variety of plans that they offer.

• For aged people, it is a must to opt for a plan that covers emergency charges and medical expenses along with ambulance and hospitalization fees.

• If you are a regular traveler, you can easily locate a discounted travel coverage policy.

• Your coverage elements would differ as per the place where you are planning to visit. For an adventure trip that includes activities like sea diving, mountain climbing and rafting, make sure that the policy covers compensation for loss of luggage and personal injury.

• There are different insurance policies for business travelers that usually cover compensation for loss of business related accessories and uncertain expenses.

• Students travel policies would cover uncertain events during their abroad visits for education.

• Family travel policies would offer compensation to your entire family against events like delay in flights, loss of checked baggage and interruptions due to hijack.

• Avail assurance from the insurance company that they would refund the tourism amount in case of cancellation of trip due to uncertain events.

• Be ready with your coverage checklist before applying for any travel coverage plan.

• Some insurance companies also offer pet insurance policies to travelers who want to take along their pets for the trip.

For a safe and peaceful journey, buying a suitable travel insurance policy is a must!

Travel insurance policy is an essential part of traveling abroad and those who are traveling abroad for the first time should ensure that they buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers all aspects of their trip abroad.

Annual Multi Trip Insurance for Travellers With Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you are like many others who have a current, pre-existing medical condition, then you will be under no illusions as to how difficult and arduous it can be to get a good and affordable insurance policy when you are looking into getting travel insurance.

With the current price of insurance and given how picky insurance companies can be, it can be very difficult for you to get worldwide annual multi trip cover if you have a previous condition.

The reason for such extreme financial costs these days is that Travel Insurance companies have to pay out huge sums of money every year to medical and emergency patients with travel insurance. This is why a lot of insurance companies offer huge sums of money worth of insurance cover across the globe to pay for things like hospital treatment and travel expenses, if you fall ill abroad and have to stay there for additional medical cover.

This is why when you already have a medical risk, you can be asked to pay additional premiums from your insurance company. Whether you have had to overcome a serious illness such as cancer, or something minor which required very little medical attention, they will ask you to disclose these incidents when it comes to taking out travel insurance.

Even if you have made a complete recovery from the illness, you still have to watch out for the extra premiums you will be asked to pay, due to having struggled in the past as there is a chance of returning.

The good news is that some travel insurance agents offer really wide range of pre-existing medical conditions that are covered for free. You can cover all your conditions at no extra fee if you choose the right company.

When you speak to an insurance company, you will have to go through a special process where you are asked a series of questions and reveal some very in-depth details, if they find it necessary. While this can be an unnerving and even sometimes upsetting process, they have to do this so that they can give you the right deal when it comes to your previous health records. Hiding the truth may result in pitiable experience and huge financial losses.

Make sure that you declare everything, no matter how small, so if any old injuries or illnesses return when you are abroad, you have told them previously of an ongoing problem - otherwise they may not pay out. Any doctor can distinguish a pre-existing condition from the first accident. Whom are you trying to fool?

The destination of your holiday matters too, for example, some of European countries have the most expensive health care along with the United States, and this can dictate on your success, or the cost, of your insurance. If you try and get a deal with worldwide annual multi-trip cover, then you will be able to go anywhere in the world and be protected.

Although travel insurance does offer peace of mind when travelling around, as if you do fall ill while abroad and cannot be brought home for treatment, you know that your expenses are paid for by your insurance company, so you know that your treatment is covered.

Overseas Travel Insurance

Planning a trip overseas can be exciting and fun. From the places you are going to see to where you are going to stay, there is a lot to coordinate and research. Before you go on your next trip, consider adding overseas travel insurance to the list of items you need for your vacation. For a relatively low price, you will be covered for a variety of unexpected issues that could crop up surrounding your trip. From helping you with lost baggage and documentation to providing extended international medical coverage, overseas travel insurance is a travelers best friend.

What Does It Cover?

Like with any type of insurance, there are basic plans and extras that you can add on. For the most part, you can count on overseas travel insurance to cover you in the following scenarios: trip cancellation or disruption, medical evacuation, baggage loss or damage, and theft or loss while you are abroad. There are different levels of coverage, and before you purchase a plan, you should read all the details of what you will be insured for and what is not covered. Depending on your plan, you can have access to 24 hour concierge service, travel assistance, and identity theft restoration services. Keep in mind that there is a limit to the amount of money that your insurance plan will pay out. The details of what is offered and what is not will all depend on the plan that you purchase.

How Much Does It Cost?

The coverage can be so comprehensive that it may seem that an overseas travel insurance policy should be very expensive. On the contrary, these plans are very affordable. You may be surprised to learn that for less than 200 dollars you can have a comprehensive safety net that will support you while you are away. Compared to the total cost of the trip, travel insurance is a minor expense.

Choosing Travel Insurance

There are a number of different plans out there, and it can be overwhelming finding the right one for your trip. Read each policy carefully to make sure that it applies to you. For example, if you are not traveling on a cruise ship, you should not pay for cruise ship coverage. Choose a plan that covers all the family members that will be travelling with you. Usually you can add them on to your insurance for a small fee. Before you purchase a plan, get all your questions answered. If the information is not clear on the website, call the customer service line to speak with a representative.

Making a Travel Insurance Claim

Making travel insurance claims can be tricky, especially if you have just suffered an accident or illness, or have lost some precious items. To assist you with your travel insurance we have compiled an outline of the key things you will need to ensure your claim is processed as quickly as possible.

For Emergencies, Hospitalisation or Unexpected Return Home

Always contact your travel insurers' Emergency Response team first. When you do this you can make sure that you are following their particular guidelines, or otherwise you may end up jeopardising your entitlement to claim.

Cancellation of travel:

· Make sure you have documentation outlining the event that resulted in the cancellation of travel, this includes medical notes, certificate of death etc.

· You will also require proof of travel e.g. a full confirmed itinerary, flight tickets, and any correspondence from your travel agent or airline.

· Include invoices and/or receipts showing proof of payment of fares and accommodation e.g. a letter from your travel agent, bank statement etc.

Note: Some insurers may ask for a copy of the terms and conditions of the travel agency or airline used in preparation for your travel.

Loss or Damage of luggage and personal effects

You will need to provide the following:

· Proof of travel e.g. a full confirmed itinerary, flight tickets, correspondence from your travel agent or airline.

· Proof of ownership e.g. receipts or invoices. If you do not have copies of these documents, provide any remaining components of the lost item such as manuals etc. In some instances this is only necessary if the item is over a certain value, however ensure that you are able to provide proof of ownership in all instances should you need to.

· A copy of all invoices and/or receipts that support the amount being claimed e.g. replacement receipts or repair quotes.

· A police report in the case of burglary/theft.

· A repair or replacement quote for any damaged items.

· A carriers' report outlining deprivation or total loss of personal effects or luggage from your airline.

· In the case of loss of money, provide documentation such as withdrawal and bank statements as proof of value.

Medical Expenses while travelling overseas:

Remember you need one claim form for each medical event. Included in this claim form should be:

· A copy of all medical notes requested from your doctor outlining the nature of the illness or injury, including scans and x-rays if relevant. Keep the original documentation in case you are required to show them to the insurer.

· Copies of all invoices and/or receipts from the medical provider that support the amount being claimed.

· Proof of travel e.g. a full confirmed itinerary, flight tickets, correspondence from your travel agent or airline.

· Prescriptions and/or itemised receipts for any medication on which you may be claiming costs.

Note that this is a guideline only and your own travel insurer may have further requirements for a particular type of claim. Make sure that you check the policy BEFORE travelling so you are familiar with the cover and what could be required of you.

Off-Piste And Heli-Skiing - Why You Need A Specialist Travel Insurance Company

Backcountry skiing, such as off-piste and heli-skiing, is a growing sport worldwide. Attractive to those who want a more adventurous holiday than your standard tourist activities, this sport provides an adrenaline filled adventure in some of the most scenic locations in the world. But for those intending to venture into the world of adventure tourism, finding a travel insurance company that provides a suitable policy can be difficult. This article explains a bit about backcountry skiing and explains why you need to have an insurance policy that is tailored specifically to meet your requirements.

Backcountry skiing takes you away from the patrolled and groomed slopes of traditional ski resorts and allows you to ski unmarked slopes with natural contours and features. Most extreme skiers engage in backcountry skiing because it is viewed as more challenging than traditional skiing. An increasing number of ski resorts support this form of skiing because the sport hasgrown in popularity.

One of the most common types of backcountry skiing is called off-piste. Off-piste refers to skiing that does not stay on groomed trails but sometimes follows alongside a marked trail (piste). In some countries off-piste is the name for all backcountry skiing that takes place on unmarked slopes i.e. off-piste. Particularly popular in places such as Canada, Japan and the United States, this type of skiing includes skiing in unpatrolled areas and sometimes onto avalanche risk slopes.

Heli-skiing is for those backcountry skiers who want to travel even further from the beaten path and explore pristine and sometimes untouched areas. Travelling by helicopter, skiers are dropped off in unmarked mountainous areas with natural terrain and long descents on fresh powdery snow. Heli-skiing is the ultimate experience for the adventurous skier, starting in the 1960's this sport is now popular worldwide.

While exhilarating, this type of sport is also filled with dangers that on-piste skiers do not usually encounter. Difficult terrain and unmonitored slopes mean accidents are frequent and sometimes even extreme events will occur such as avalanches. Additionally, what many tourists do not realise is that the medical costs in popular ski destinations such as Japan or Canada are among the highest in the world. Therefore it is important that people undertaking this activity are adequately covered by their insurance policy - should the unexpected happen.

When you are considering adventure travel, you need to find a specialist travel insurance company that understands your need and has policies to cover your trip. High risk activities such as off-piste skiing are often excluded from standard leisure travel insurance policies.

Before committing to purchasing a travel insurance, you need to ask the insurer whether they will cover medical costs associated with off-piste skiing; also whether this would extend to emergency evacuation off the slopes; and whether search and rescue costs would be covered. Many high risk travel policies will cover the medical and evacuation costs, but search and rescue costs are not covered. You should also consider that if you do break a leg or similar while skiing, you would not only be looking for medical cost cover, but it is likely that you may also have to change/upgrade your return ticket home which would incur further expenses.