Research into travel insurance is the best way to ensure you get a policy which provides adequate cover to you personally. Professional advisors can help you with this and may save you time because of their knowledge of the market. Online watchdog sites such as Which? also give impartial advice on products. Making sure you buy a reliable and comprehensive policy could mean the difference between life and death in the most extreme circumstances.
One of the key factors in higher premiums is existing medical conditions or history, because the risk of further problems in that area is greater. But don’t be tempted to keep quiet about an issue which you might need treatment for in the future, because if the insurance company find out you have withheld the truth they are not obliged to cover the costs of your treatment.
Knowing the right questions to ask and when is vital. Always ask before you buy. Here are five questions to consider that might save your life one day.
1. What are the conditions of payment for any medical treatment you receive abroad? Whether or not you pay up front and are reimbursed is a big issue.
2. Medical expenses can easily run into the millions of pounds these days. How much exactly are you insured for? It’s a sign of the times that some policies have up to 10,000,000 allowance.
3. Is it necessary to contact your insurer before you have treatment? This is sometimes the case and can lead to the difficult situation of an insurer refusing to pay if you have not made them aware that you are receiving medical attention.
4. Medical emergencies are covered, but what about minor problems? Visits to a GP, replacement of lost prescriptions and so on are often exempt.
5. In the event of a very serious injury where treatment in your home country is necessary, will your insurer pay for you to be airlifted home? Or even from a remote region to one with a hospital? Particularly pertinent to more adventurous travellers
