Top tips for taking out specialist travel insurance

Planning your summer holiday is all part of the fun to make sure you choose the right place at the right price for your one or two weeks away in the sun.

Many of us these days will turn to a holiday check-list to help ensure we don’t forget all the essential items we need for a relaxing holiday abroad and, for some, travel insurance will be on the list although perhaps at the bottom!

However, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, travel insurance will more than likely be a higher priority. You will want the reassurance that should you need emergency treatment abroad or if you have to cancel your trip as a result of your medical condition(s), you will be fully covered.

Top tips for taking out specialist travel insurance

• Have all the information to hand about your medical condition(s) when you are applying for a quote so you can accurately answer all the questions.
• Make sure you disclose ALL your existing medical conditions. Non-disclosure is one of the main reasons that claims are refused, so please tell the insurance provider everything!  Note: Even if your medical condition is under control with medication, you still need to declare it.
• If you have a terminal condition, you may be asked to provide a medical report from your GP confirming your diagnosis and that you are fit to travel. In view of this, please leave plenty of time to obtain your specialist travel insurance in case a letter is required.
• Take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday or trip. This will ensure you have cancellation cover in place just in case something should happen before you travel.  Note:  If you are taking out an Annual Multi-trip policy and you have already booked your trip, make sure you start the policy with immediate effect. If you choose a start date in the future, you will have no cancellation cover until that date, leaving you without protection!
• If you need emergency medical treatment abroad, make sure you phone the Insurer’s 24-hour Emergency Assistance Helpline. They will be able to guarantee your medical costs and liaise with the treating doctors to ensure you receive the appropriate medical treatment.
• Cover the whole travelling party on the same travel insurance policy. This will ensure there are no gaps in cover as otherwise could be the case if separate policies are purchased. This is particularly important when one of the party has an existing medical condition.
• Carry your insurance documents with you at all times just in case you need to contact the emergency assistance company during your trip.