Travel Insurance 101 Thread?

RHemmings

Where can I learn the basics of travel insurance? I thought there would be a stickie thread, or perhaps a whole subforum for this but I can't see one. It's such an important topic I guess it's around somewhere, but where?

Shimrod

Basic No.1 - Get your insurance and soon as (or even before) you have booked your holiday (MSE have it as number 2).

Considerations are here: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cheap-travel-insurance

RHemmings

Thanks. That's interesting.

I don't think I'd want the cheapest insurance. I think I read somewhere that some insurance will cover you being airlifted out of a country in a medical emergency. Given that single trip insurance is pretty cheap compared to the cost of the entire trip, I'm not sure that I'd want to skimp if I'm getting a significantly lesser service.

Shimrod

You don't want the cheapest insurance, you want the cheapest insurance that suits your needs. For example, the US has probably one of the best healthcare services in world - if you can afford it. So you wouldn't want insurance to airlift you out, you want insurance that provides enough cover for the US medical bill. I suspect you are thinking of repatriation rather than being airlifted out - this is cover to return you to the UK either in an (air) ambulance or on a flight once you are able to travel (even if this means an seat upgrade e.g. to accommodate a broken leg). Certain expedition trips (think Arctic, Himalayas) may require air evacuation cover in the event of accident.

The link above covers other questions you should consider before choosing your travel cover.

RHemmings

In my case I was thinking of what would happen if I or a family member became ill or injured while in Iran. I don't know how good the medicine is there. Other parts of my journey would take in Australia and New Zealand. I would have as much faith in their medicine as I would in the UK's medicine. If I get year-long insurance, then Peru may become an option for later in the year.

DomRavioli

RHemmings wrote: »

In my case I was thinking of what would happen if I or a family member became ill or injured while in Iran. I don't know how good the medicine is there. Other parts of my journey would take in Australia and New Zealand. I would have as much faith in their medicine as I would in the UK's medicine. If I get year-long insurance, then Peru may become an option for later in the year.

It may not cover you for longer trips - you may need backpackers insurance or a specific multi trip as some policies have time limits and destination limits. I suggest you firstly look at the healthcare options in the countries you will be visiting (because there are very few systems like the UK system as per your comment above), then speak to a specialist insurer/broker for your specific trip.

RHemmings

I have contacted Leisure Guard, which was mentioned in the MoneySavingExpert guide above. They came back, this morning, to ask me some more details. I'm waiting on their reply.