Travel Insurance- Coverage You Don't Need

When traveling, you may never know what happens. It can be a great trip and then all of a sudden something bad happens. What will you do? Check your insurance. First, it's advisable to check what policies you already have. You may be surprised. It is worth taking some time to read the small print on all your insurance policies.

Vacation packages that offer inclusive cover may duplicate cover that you have already. Travel companies may go out of business so always get your insurance from a reputable insurance company. Bankruptcy protection will not cover you unless a company is declared officially bankrupt. You may not get compensation unless it does.

Some travel policies cover only a single trip while others cover you for a complete year of multiple trips. Be aware that some policies exclude certain countries due to safety issues. Multiple trip policies may also cover you for all your weekend trips in your home country as well as abroad. Consider taking out joint cover if you are traveling as a couple and make sure that all your family members are covered if you take out a family policy.

If you have any medical condition make sure your insurer knows about it or your cover may be affected. Check to see if your health insurance covers repatriation. Some policies don't cover ambulances either. It is better to have a policy that pays medical bills for you than one that expects you to pay upfront and claim back later.

You should call your car insurance company and check your coverage if you are planning to drive abroad. Your own policy should also cover you for car rental.

Your household insurance may cover you for some items while you are traveling. You may also find that your credit card covers you for some recent purchases that you intend to take with you or items that you buy while you are traveling. Make sure that the excess on your travel insurance is not more than the value of your remaining luggage and that the maximum reimbursement is sufficient.

Make sure you are covered if you are planning to participate in dangerous sports during your trip. Sometimes the organizers of these sports cover you under their own policy. Don't pay for cover you don't need.

If you pay your airline ticket by bank or credit card you may already have cover from your bank or credit card provider. If you make a claim on credit card insurance, your claims history won't be affected either on any other policy you may have.

If you have to reschedule a flight you may be able to do so by paying an administration fee. If you need to cut a trip short, get you insurer's approval before re-arranging flights. Make sure you know the insurer's terms for cancellation.

Make sure you have your insurer's international helpline number and a copy of your policy with you in a safe place at all times.

Safe Travels!