Our Top DOs & DON'Ts
It can be easy to forget to arrange travel insurance (or other insurance) in the excitement of planning a well-earned break - so arrange a policy ASAP to make sure cancellation cover is in place. Our top DOs and DON'Ts will help you choose that all-important cover.
DO ensure you have a FREE EHIC - and that it's VALID
DON'T just buy single trip cover
DO check what counts as Europe/worldwide
DON'T forget to cover all risky activities (incl winter sports)
DO work out who needs cover
DON'T hide medical conditions - you'll pay in the end
DO tell your home insurers if you're away for 30+ days
DON'T leave your travel documents at home
DO tell your neighbours - but NOT via social networks
DON'T try to use standard policies if on a gap year / backpacking
DO read the small print - always check what ISN'T covered
Also see 50 Overseas Travel Tips for more tricks to save
TRAVEL INSURANCE BEST BUYS
This system splits the best buys section into different types of traveller. We'd love your feedback on if it works for you and if there's anything you would change.
These policies are not via comparison sites, but they do meet our minimum cover levels and are FCA-regulated. If you're prepared to do MoneySupermarket's* full comparison to get its exclusives, these policies can be undercut, although bear in mind it misses Aviva* & Direct Line. Cashback site users can get additional cashback on some policies (see Top Cashback Sites).
There's one vital thing to always remember, and we'll shout it loud...
You MUST tell any insurer about medical conditions you already have, or the cover may be invalid!
Quick facts listed below, but details & exclusions vary. All meet a minimum cover criteria .
ALWAYS check the policy documents for your personal requirements before buying.
ALWAYS check the policy documents for your personal requirements before buying.
WHO1'S IT FOR AND FOR HOW LONG?
FREE cover is possible via your bank
All the policies above are the cheapest (or top value) ones available if you are buying insurance the straightforward way. However, travel cover is a common add-on with packaged financial products like bank accounts or credit cards. Here, you take out the product and you get extra benefits, but pay a monthly or yearly fee for the privilege.
If you'll use the other cover that's bundled with a bank account (usually breakdown and mobile), it can be a good deal - see Best Premier Current Accounts to see if they're worth it for you.
But usually, these are nowhere near worth it for just travel insurance. That said, one is worth mentioning at the moment as it provides free travel insurance for account holder(s). We haven't explored the quality of this policy, but it meets our minimum cover amounts.
Free annual European travel insuranceSwitch to Nationwide FlexAccount & pay in £750/mth
- Bank account
- In-credit interest: NONE.
- Arranged overdraft cost: 18.9%.
- Min monthly pay-in: £750 ( explanation )
- Unarranged overdraft fees: £15 paid / unpaid item fees, £20 usage fee (max £95/month).
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation: £5,000 (£50 excess)
- Personal baggage: £1,500 (£50 exc.)
- Medical: £10m (£50 excess)
- Full Info: Key facts PDF Policy wording PDF
New and existing holders of Nationwide's FlexAccount current account get free European travel insurance for customers up to age 75 (must be max age 73 at account opening). To get the cover, you must either switch all your direct debits and standing orders from another account to it or pay in at least £750 each month.
The pay-in is equivalent to depositing a salary or pension of £9,600 (or £9,000 for most 65-74 year olds). If your income is less than that, it's possible to withdraw money and deposit it again to meet the £750 minimum.
➕How good is the insurance?
Q&A: Will the policy pay out?
An insurance policy that doesn't pay out when you need it to is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave Comment