IF you’re planning on jetting off in search of sea, sand and sunshine this summer, don't forget your travel insurance.
Whatever type of holiday you fancy, you'll know it’s important to take out travel insurance in case anything goes wrong.
But what you might not be so clear on is exactly what you are and are not covered for.
Travel insurance is a ‘must-have’ which you need to pack in your suitcase alongside your swim stuff and sun cream.
It helps you to claim if you need emergency medical treatment while you’re abroad.
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It also covers you if your luggage gets lost or belongings are stolen, or if you have to cancel a trip due to death, illness or bereavement.
Some policies will cover the cost of your holiday in circumstances such as being made redundant or jury service.
What kind of travel insurance do you need?
The two main types of policy are single and multi-trip cover.
If you travel two or more times a year, a multi-trip policyis likely to be more economical.
Also note that combining cover for your family or partner on a shared policy can be cheaper than buying individual policies.
Whatever you decide, it’s important to realise there are lots of things that your trusty travel insurance doesn’t cover you for - especially if you’ve opted for a more basic policy.
Ceri McMillan from Go.Compare, told The Sun: “Travel policies can vary a lot. You need to pick the right one for you.
"Make sure you read the fine print carefully before you purchase to familiarise yourself with any exclusions.
"If you don’t know the extent of your cover until you come to make a claim, there’s a chance you could have a nasty, costly shock.”
Here the travel insurance guru shares the nine things that could catch you out.
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Extreme sports
If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie and plan on trying your hand at something a little more adventurous while you’re away, such as paragliding or diving, you need to check your insurance carefully.
Ceri said: “While you can get specialist travel insurance that covers more risky activities, such as water sports or skiing, a more general policy won’t usually protect you.”
Be aware that even activities that you may regard as less ‘extreme,’ such as horse riding, cycling or hot air ballooning, may not be covered either.
Ceri added: “If you’re a thrill-seeker, it’s definitely worth looking at getting travel cover for the specific activities you’re planning to enjoy while away.
"Many insurers offer add-ons for things such as scuba diving, winter sports and golf.”
Mistakes or a change of plan
Be aware that if you decide you simply no longer want to go on holiday, or if you make a mistake that means you can’t go, your travel insurance can’t help.
“A travel policy is there to protect you in case of emergencies and unforeseen problems with your trip such as medical issues, or issues with your airline,” said Ceri.
“If, for example, you don’t leave enough time to get to the airport and miss your flight, or if you forget your passport, you’re unlikely to be able to claim and recoup your costs.”
Lost or stolen baggage
While some policies cover baggage as standard, not all do, according to Ceri.
“If you’re travelling with valuable electronics, jewellery or designer clothes, check your bags are protected on your travel policy, as this might not always be the case,” said the travel insurance whizz.
“For some insurers, baggage cover is standard, but for others you might be required to pay for it as an optional add-on.”
But before parting with any cash, Ceri recommends checking your home insurance policy.
“You don’t want to end up paying twice for the same protections,” she said.
“If your home insurance includes cover for items ‘outside of the home,’ and the valuables you’re travelling with are listed on your policy, you may already be protected.”
With household budgets stretched to their limits right now, don’t waste cash by doubling up.
Passport issues
Don’t make the mistake of thinking your travel insurance will cover you for passport problems.
“It’s your responsibility to make sure you have your passport, and that it’s valid,” said Ceri.
“Many travellers don’t realise that countries have different entry rules in regard to this document.
With some, if your passport has less than six months before it expires, you won’t be allowed to travel.”
The key is to check your destination country’s requirements well in advance.
“If needed, apply for a new passport at the earliest opportunity,” said the holiday aficionado.
“It may take several weeks to arrive. While you may be covered if your passport is lost or stolen while on holiday, be aware that you won’t be able to claim if it doesn’t arrive in time for your departure.”
Strikes and industrial action
With strike action an all-too-familiar part of our lives at the moment, you may be wondering if your travel policy covers you for industrial action.
“Some will cover you if your trip is cancelled, or affected by an airline strike,” said Ceri.
“But this will only be the case if you didn’t know about the planned strike action before you booked your trip.”
According to Ceri, this type of cover typically includes different types of travel disruption, such as airline collapses and industrial action.
She added: “You’ll need to check your specific policy as it doesn’t always come as standard, and may require you to buy an add-on.”
Alcohol-related claims
While kicking back and enjoying a drink or two on holiday is normal for most people, you need to tread warily when it comes to making a claim.
“If an accident or medical issue you are claiming for is judged to be a result of excessive alcohol consumption, your travel insurer can refuse to pay out,” said Ceri.
“It’s down to you as the traveller to be responsible and avoid excessive risks – so go easy on the pool-side cocktails.”
Travelling against government advice
One of the big no-nos when considering holiday destinations is travelling against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.
“The FCDO provides up-to-date advice, entry requirements and crime levels for different countries,” said Ceri.
“The FCDO might advise against travelling to certain places if, say, they have particular risks, such as political unrest, war, or very high instances of infections and diseases, such as Covid-19.”
Going against this advice isn’t recommended.
Ceri warned: “If you decide to go ahead anyway, your travel insurer almost certainly won’t cover you because you are knowingly taking a risk by choosing to go.”
Natural disasters and extreme weather
If severe weather or a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or flood, plays havoc with your travel plans, your insurer may be able to help cover the costs, according to Ceri.
“But it’s important to check your policy,” she said. “Not all policies will include this cover as standard.
"Additionally, if the weather was forecast before you booked your trip and you booked anyway, you won’t be able to claim.”
In the event of unforeseen weather, it’s a good idea to try and get compensation from your airline or tour operator before claiming on travel insurance.
Ceri added: “They owe you a ‘duty of care,’ and may be able to arrange replacement flights or your money back.”
Undisclosed medical conditions
Cover for medical emergencies is a vital part of any travel insurance policy, but giving your insurer a full and accurate picture of your medical history is essential, according to Ceri.
“This will ensure you get the cover you need,” she said. “If you have pre-existing conditions, you’ll need to tell your insurer so they can accurately assess the risk and give you a fair price.”
If you fail to disclose everything when you buy your policy, your conditions won’t be covered and you could face unexpected medical bills.
Be upfront and answer all questions honestly.
