What do I need travel insurance for?

Cameron

Having just had a very annoying clash with a travel insurance company over a small claim, they have driven me to ask “What do I need travel insurance for?” – below are statements/ assumptions for comment, I don’t know if I’m right, wrong or just stupid. I would just like to hear the augments for and against. Like most people I like to go holiday knowing that if something went wrong there was something in place to back things up.

1) Theft
–Most people have household fixture and fittings insurance – if you make a claim your travel insurance company will want your household insurance details to share the claim with
– A piece of small print from my previous insurance policy in the what is not covered bit “loss or damage to valuables” - you pay the money and what do you get
– Loss of money - usually limited in the small print to a small amount – what would you do back home?
– Whats the most expensive item your going to take on holiday – video camera maybe, what does it cost and have you got special insurance for it, your not going to get paid twice!
2) Medical
- Travelling in EEC (and Europe) if you fill out an E111 there are reciprocal agreements among countries
- Obviously there are exceptions for example medical insurance for travel to America
- What’s the worst that could happen (ignoring death, they’ll soon dig a hole and chuck me in if I start to smell), lets assume I’m in intensive care in Czech republic (EEC) costing the good Czech people £5000 per day, their very quickly going to supply an air ambulance to fly me home, (or they might just switch the machine of) – beside your probably better of in a Czech hospital what with our under funded health service
- Do you have life insurance, medical insurance, member of BUPA, what do they cover?
3) General
– any claims you do make are usually distributed among all the players (Insurance, airlines, holiday company, your house insurance, airport, etc) so if you received a £10 meal ticket at the airport because of a delay, you aren’t going to get another £10 of your insurance company

Conclusion
As far as I can tell for my family on holiday in Europe I do not need any form of travel insurance. By purchasing travel insurance I will not be any better of, only poorer.

Please prove me wrong!

lisyloo

if you fill out an E111 there are reciprocal agreements among countries

I don't believe that this will extend to repatriation.
It will certainly not cover sending family members over to see you.

Repatriation can cost a fortune if you need a specially chartered air ambulance.
Even if you go on a scheduled flight you might need 10 seats and a nurse.

As far as I can tell for my family on holiday in Europe I do not need any form of travel insurance. By purchasing travel insurance I will not be any better of, only poorer.

I can understand your cynicism but I don't think you are right.
Egg are one company I know of that offer quotes without the "personal posessions" cover so you don't need to pay for it again if you have it on your house insurance.

I definitely think the medical insurance is worthwhile and covers a lot more than any NHS.
What about if you have to cancel through sickness or death of a family member? That won't be insured elsewhere.

It is worth trying (if possible) to not be insured multilple times for the same thing.
It is wasted money and also can lead to problems when you come to claim.

I did have a colleague whose mum had a stroke whilst abroad.
She was provided with a private room, an interpreter and family members went to visit her.

CurryKing_2

My mates dad was in a random Indian Village in the Himalayas about two years ago when he fell really ill. He got flown to a specialist hospital by helicopter. They flew his family out to see him and they sent him and whole family first class, as was return journey.

Turned he had cancer.

If it wasnt for his insurance he wouldnt be here today

Thats the point of travel insurance

Neil

clayton_2

Hello,

I'm 39 years old with no medical problems.

I am wondering why I need to take out travel insurance:

1) I am travelling to Spain (Madrid) for a long weekend, ie. flying out Friday and returning on Monday.
2) I'm taking an overnight bag, ie. change of clothing etc.. No Valuables
3) Staying at friends apartment, just sightseeing etc..


Regards,

Clayton

lisyloo

HI Clayton,

You need travel insurance for the following

1) Medical - even if you are young and fit you could get struck down e.g. appedicitis.
You will be covered for some things (basic treatment) with your E111, but it would not cover you for other things for example - repatriation (if you require special seating), a nurse to accompany you, a translator or visits from family.

2) Cancellation, for example death of a family member.

3) Travel delay e.g. pays for an overnight hotel.

I don't think there is any legal obligation on you to get insurance so you don't have to get it if you don't want to.

However if you break your leg and require 9 seats on the plane plus a nurse then it's gonna cost you a lot to get home.

dunstonh

Regarding theft. Many household policies do not have personal possessions cover and in those cases the travel insurance would pay out in full. Where there is personal possessions cover, then to prevent you from double claiming and committing fraud, the liability is shared.