Travel Insurance Article Discussion

silvercar

Check bank account travel insurance, I have just found out that my 21 year old son is covered under my policy even when travelling independently.

freccle

freccle wrote: »

We've booked Florida for 15 days commencing 22 August 2016. Can we get travel insurance this far in advance? (Just in case something happens which results in us having to cancel)

I should also point out that I've paid for it in full (with £200 of it paid by credit card in case they go bust lol), which I why I'm worried about suddenly being diagnosed with something serious before 22 August this year.
Any suggestions anyone?

MSE_Tony

Hi,

We featured a similar question in our weekly email (24th June 2015).

Hope this helps.

Question of the week
Q: I have an annual travel insurance policy that expires in August, but a trip in October which I need to cancel. Am I still covered on my insurance, even though the trip is after the current policy end date? Carri, by email

MSE Rebecca's A: Normally in these circumstances you will be. When deciding if a claim will be paid out, most insurers will base their decision on the date you cancel the trip, NOT the date of the trip itself, but always check the small print. Yet assuming so, that means make sure you cancel before August - if you got a policy after that, because you knew you would have to cancel, that could invalidate it. More tips in our Travel Insurance guide.

MSE Tony

freccle

So if I bought an annual trip policy now, even if I'm not planning on travelling anywhere then renewed it next July for the Disney trip, I'd be covered? I've paid it all up front even though the balance isn't due for another 12 months but I just wanted to know it was all paid for and now of course I'm worrying about what would happen if we had to cancel in the next couple of months. (I have no reason to suspect we will but you can never tell). Would I be likely to get my money back, even without insurance yet?

davholla

What insurance is good to cover expensive items e.g. £400-£600

MSE_Tony

Hi freccle,

If you are not planning to go away/need travel insurance until your Disney trip, it may be best to arrange a single trip policy for that holiday.

If you are planning to have an additional holiday/s before the Disney trip, seek an annual policy that meets your needs and then give them a quick phone to double check.

From feedback we have received you should still be covered (subject to you having continuation insurance - no break in cover when your policy falls due for renewal - to avoid any complications).

As mentioned, it is always best to phone the provider and double check/explain the situation.

Hope this helps and it would be great to hear how you get on.

MSE Tony

kittykate7

Hi Freccle

The same problem happened to me, I couldn't get travel insurance online as the trip is more than 12 months ahead. I waited until I was just within the 12 months (ie now!) and then organised travel insurance. I booked the trip in May for July 2016 so am now looking at insurance policies. If you think nothing is likely to make you cancel your trip between now and the 23rd August, wait until then when you will be inside your 12 months.

muddlemand

For the 12-month problem (hasn't happened to me, but I hope to be organised enough in future to book that far ahead ) - how about getting quotes online as soon as possible, putting in a date just within the 12 months that the sites can handle, and then phoning the top two or three to get the actual cover? Personally I'd feel happier being covered immediately; I have had one trip cancelled because the operator folded, and another because of unforeseeable serious illness.

Lindagreenacre

Although it is advised that normally it is cheaper to purchase annual travel insurance if you expect to holiday more than twice a year, this does not necessarily work. It is fine if you are taking all holidays in Europe and UK for example, or all cruises, but this year we have had a European holiday, an Iceland cruise and are going to Canada and the States. To get annual cover for all was going to work out more expensive than insuring each holiday separately. BTW, we do have minor health issues to be taken into account.

lizevans55

I bought annual insurance last year for 2 adults, one 63 one 32 fir worldwide travel and winter sports and it cost approx £78. I received an email to go online or ring to renew - I went online and was quoted £743 for the cheapest level of cover! Thinking this must be an online error I rang and was told that the underwriters are responsible for the quotes and that they have gone up - when I asked if that could be by 10 times the amount I was told yes - thats what it will cost to renew with them! - I didnt renew and am now searching for new quotes!!!