When to Book Travel Insurance
Booking travel insurance is an essential part of any holiday. With the right insurance, you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind. At Blue Bay Travel, we’ve rounded up the most common questions around booking travel insurance, like when should you book travel insurance, what kinds are available and why should you get it, so you can be prepared for your next big getaway.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance covers all sorts of emergency costs that can arise during your trip. Depending on the level of cover you take out, it can reimburse you for the value of lost or stolen baggage, or cover the cost of extra accommodation in the case of flight delays. One of the most important parts of travel insurance is the coverage for emergency medical care. Requiring medical care while overseas – and potentially requiring repatriation back home – can get very expensive, but with travel insurance, you can get coverage, even for pre-existing medical conditions. Travel insurance covers a wide range of situations and each plan is different, so it’s very important to read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully, to make sure you know what’s covered.
Why is Travel Insurance Important?
Hopefully, you’ll never need to use travel insurance, but if you do need it, you’ll be very glad you’ve got it. Travel insurance is the best way to ensure you can travel with peace of mind. From lost luggage to flight delays, emergency medical care to last-minute cancellations, travel insurance makes sure these disruptions are as painless as possible. The cost of the insurance is generally minor when compared to the price of the trip, so be sure to get covered and travel without regrets.
When to Book Travel Insurance
You should buy travel insurance as soon as you book a holiday. In fact, some travel insurance providers may require you to buy your insurance within a certain time frame after making your booking to get certain kinds of coverage. Travel disruptions can happen at any time, and getting insurance right away is the best way to ensure you’re covered. There’ll usually be a cooling-off period – at least 14 days – during which you can make changes or cancel your policy for a full refund.
How to Save Money on Travel Insurance
Shopping around is one of the best ways to find the best price for your travel insurance. Most insurance providers make it easy to get a quote on their website so you can compare prices easily. Be sure to tailor your coverage to your trip, so you aren’t paying extra for things you don’t need. Consider exploring companies you already do business with, such as your health or home insurance provider. They may offer better deals for returning customers. Also, remember that credit cards often include some level of travel insurance when you use them to book, just make sure you know what they cover.
If you travel frequently, you may save money by booking multi-trip insurance. Usually offered annually, these insurance policies cover all your trips for a year. There’ll be a limit on how long your trips can be, generally one to two months. These plans can save you time as well, as you usually won’t need to inform your provider of every trip, instead, you’re covered from the moment you book.
Different types of travel insurance
Some specific holidays require specific types of insurance. For example, cruise insurance might offer reimbursements if you find yourself unwell and confined to your cabin, or if inclement weather forces your cruise to miss a scheduled port. It can also help out if you miss your scheduled departure after a shore excursion, covering the cost of getting you to the next port so you can continue your cruise.
Note that sometimes, injuries as a result of more adventurous activities may not automatically be covered, so if you’re planning to do activities like zip-lining or rock climbing or scuba diving, consider looking for extra adventure-focused travel insurance. On the other hand, if you plan on simply relaxing on the beach during your holiday, you can probably stick to a more basic plan. Bear in mind that your insurance may also require the providers of these activities to be appropriately accredited.
Booking Travel Insurance Online: Dos and Don’ts
Do: Read your travel insurance information carefully. It’s important to know exactly what you’re covered for and how much coverage you have. You may also need to provide information about certain activities you’re undertaking or high-value belongings you’re taking.
Don’t: Leave it to the last minute. The sooner you get insurance, the sooner you’re covered. The peace of mind is always worth the cost.
Do: Shop around. There’s a wide range of insurance providers out there, offering different types and levels of insurance for different costs. Some providers may offer better deals for travellers who need coverage for pre-existing conditions, while others specialise in adventure tourism, offering great deals for higher-risk activities.
Don’t: Hide pre-existing medical conditions. State any pre-existing medical conditions upfront and make sure you follow any necessary steps to ensure coverage. For example, you may need to book your insurance within a certain time frame of making your booking, and you may need a medical certificate to prove that you were medically able to travel at the time of booking.
Travel insurance, Simplified
Now you know everything you need to know about buying travel insurance for your next trip. Book early, make sure you have the right level of coverage, and do some research to find the right provider for you. The only thing left to do is book your trip. Browse our package deals or give one of our expert travel agents a call to find your perfect holiday.
FAQs
How do you Book Travel Insurance?
You can book travel insurance online through a provider’s website, at their offices, or you can book with them over the phone. Booking over the phone may be useful if you’re unsure what kinds of coverage you need, or have any questions about the insurance.
Is Travel Insurance Included in Package Holidays?
No, travel insurance is generally not included in package holidays. You’ll want to take out your own insurance to get coverage.
