Travel Insurance - How Important is It?

When booking a vacation probably one of the last things on your mind is insurance. How important is vacation insurance? This may not be on the top of your vacation checklist however, getting the right insurance is essential for peace of mind.

Tips to check for in the Small Print:

* Check if you require any vaccinations, information can be obtained from your local Doctor

* Ensure that every member of your travel party has adequate insurance on the policy

* If vacationing in Europe ensure that you have European Health Insurance

* Read the small print to ensure that you are covered for all activities

* If you are travelling over a warzone updated advice can be found on your local government website

Travel insurance may be unlikely to feature high on your pre-vacation list however, speak to anyone who has been ill or had an accident on vacation and you will realize it is probably one of the first things you should check out after you book your trip.

The level of cover you require is really based on where you are going, what activities you are going to do e.g, absailing, white-water rafting etc., Whilst most tour operators include travel insurance in the price of your tickets, make sure that this is the case. If you are not covered by their insurance it is highly advisable to take our a private and adequate policy.

If you are ill on Vacation:

*Contact your vacation rep. if you have one. If not, call the emergency number supplied by your insurance provider and they will tell you where you can locate the best emergency care in your location

* In an emergency go directly to the local public hospital with your insurance details

* If you are still experiencing trouble contact the United States Embassy who can give you any information you need

* Remember to keep all of your receipts which you will need on your return in order to claim back expenses

Finally, remember that every individual member of your group required his or her own card. This will entitle you to medication, hospital benefits as well as personal accident cover and lost luggage, missing passports or stolen goods. Vacation insurance also covers you if you have to cancel or postpone your trip and is highly recommended for general peace of mind.