Buying Travel Insurance

>> Be Alert When Buying Travel Insurance

When you're buying travel insurance you could get caught out by 'assuming' you understand what's covered.

More than one person has been caught out when taking out overseas travel insurance by assuming their laptop or camera was covered when it was left in the hire car overnight. But when you purchase travel insurance you need to know both the insurance company's conditions and what your obligations are.

Many travellers are on the look out for the cheapest travel insurance quote or for purchasing discount travel insurance cover without checking out the details of the policy. When you buy cheap travel insurance, or even top of the range cover, you also take on a level of obligation, which will invariably be outlined in the policy i.e. locking valuables away in a secure place or keeping them with you and not entrusting someone you've just met with your belongings while you take a quick dip.

Online travel insurance has emerged as the fastest and cheapest way to secure your travel policy. When you buy travel insurance online, sure, you'll get a cheaper deal, but since you no longer have someone physically explaining how this is the 'best buy travel insurance' and what you'll receive, it is up to you, the traveller, to carefully read the policy document. How much cover do you receive for lost or stolen credit cards and traveller's cheques, trip resumption, etcetera? Is your cover void if you do X,Y or Z? Do you get unlimited emergency medical, hospital and evacuation or is it capped?

Travellers may need to remember it's not only up to the insurer to get it right, but also up to the traveller to be alert and to understand any special conditions when they buy travel insurance. UK, the U.S.A and Canada for example don't have the same level of theft as some countries but travellers still need to be conscious of security no matter where they travel.

It's a good idea to take photos of any valuables you're taking such as jewellery or palm pilots, pack a copy of the photos and leave a copy at home. Also keep receipts or proof of purchase and, should something be stolen, report it to the police as soon as possible and get a copy of the written report.

When buying travel insurance it's best to contact the insurer before taking out cover if you have any questions. Any company should willingly go out of their way to clarify all points prior to and after purchase.