It's so depressing at this time of year isn't it? There's a good reason why the first week in January is a peak time for booking a getaway. I have definitely jumped on that bandwagon and now am happily looking forward to our holidays. I also spent half an hour on the phone updating our annual travel insurance leaving no reason for us to be left high and dry should the worst happen.
Every year there's a litany of horror stories of people stuck in foreign climes with a mounting medical bill because they failed to buy adequate or worse, any travel insurance. It doesn't matter how old you are or how staid your holiday seems - accidents and medical emergencies can still happen. Maybe food poisoning at the yoga retreat or a slip at the spa leaving you with a broken leg. Pickpockets or thieves in your hotel room. Hopefully like me you will never encounter such issues but better safe than sorry.
My own (adult) children had not factored in travel insurance on last year's trip to Turkey (which doesn't have reciprocal agreements with the UK) so I was glad I bullied mentioned it to them. Luckily they are mostly fit and healthy and sorting it took very little time and cost less than their weekly coffee bill.
My son who has been diagnosed with a heart condition booked with our insurance company which specially caters for people with existing health conditions. Yes he could have saved £10 just booking the cheaper cover with his siblings but if he'd had issues while away? The entire policy would be null and void.
Here are my top tips based on my experience buying travel insurance.
Declare everything.
It may not actually affect the final price. I have insulin dependent diabetes but because it's under control and I haven't had hospital admissions in the last year they seem happy not to bump the price up. My husband has a life limiting health condition and every time the wording of his condition changes, even slightly or he has a hospital admission or a chest infection (this is relevant to his condition) I update them. Answer all the questions honestly - you might find they ask if you are waiting for treatment so if you are on a waiting list for an op or an appointment you should declare it. It may not affect the premium but may affect what conditions they will cover while you are away.
Cruises and Activities.
Be aware that cover for cruises and activity based (like skiing or climbing) holidays may bump up your premium - check how much cover for this will be before booking that bargain break. If you are going on a package holiday but might want to try water sports, potholing, diving or similar check your travel insurance covers this. Don't be tempted to skimp.
I learned recently that healthcare on cruise ships is (of course) private and very expensive and the insurance factors in the high chance that illness or accident may leave you stranded in a foreign port or requiring helicopter rescue from the ship. Neither of which are cheap. A good cruise insurance should also offer the option to cover missed ports (if you get sick you won't be allowed ashore).
Terminal or Life Limiting Illness?
If you have a terminal or life limiting condition don't despair. We've found that choosing an annual plan with the option to pay monthly with a company which specialises in insuring people with serious health conditions helps us spread the cost and with my mum living overseas works out to be fairly reasonable considering our health conditions and the fact that we enjoy going abroad even for just a few days at a time.
Check out Staysure or Saga (UK customers) or use an online comparison website to find companies who will accept your application for insurance. If you have a condition like cancer, ask your nurse or check charity websites for advice. Cancer Research UK for example has lots of informations about travelling abroad with cancer and which companies have reciprocal health care agreements with the UK.
Luggage and Cancellations.
Most travel insurances also cover you for delayed or cancelled flights, lost or stolen luggage and sometimes gadget cover too along with other things. I have to say I have never claimed any of these and it's worth reading the small print and making sure the cover meets your needs. There's no point paying extra for £10k cover for your suitcases if you only plan to take a rucksack stuffed with budget chain clothes as carry-on.
Where to Buy Travel Insurance
Buying insurance from your holiday provider is better than not buying any but it's worth shopping around to get a tailored deal to suit your needs which may well be cheaper. There are even cost comparison websites which do most of the work for you.