How do you choose the right travel insurance for you?
Travel insurance is an important consideration if you’re heading on a trip domestically or overseas but with so many cover options available, it can be a daunting task choosing the right option for you.
Here’s how to choose the right travel insurance for you, so you can spend more time planning your holiday.
1. Where are you going?
Your destination will affect the type of insurance you need. You need to think about whether you’re travelling domestically, internationally or both? In addition, are all of your destinations covered?
If you will be travelling frequently throughout the year, you should consider whether a multi-trip package might be more cost effective and easier for you.
2. How old are you?
We are forever young but with travel insurance, age is something that is considered. Make sure that the insurance package you are researching offers a level that suits your age. If you will be travelling with children, you should also research how your cover applies to kids (or not) and some insurers even cover your children for free when travelling with you.
3. Decide which cover is essential
There are various types of inclusions and exclusions in any travel insurance policy and these can differ between providers. The best way to get started is to make a list of the types of cover you require.
While most policies will cover you for standard items – like medical/hospital and emergency, liability baggage and more – think about what other unique areas you need cover for. These can include:
- any sports and activities in which you plan to participate
- if you plan to drive a car or vehicle while you’re away
- any valuables you will be taking with you (e.g. camera, iPad, laptop).
4. What limits will best suit you?
Trying to understand how much cover you need might seem tricky at first, but it simply needs a little attention to detail:
- start by attributing a dollar value to everything involved in your trip – your flights, accommodation, tours, activities, baggage and valuables
- if you don’t have a lot of spare cash, opting for more comprehensive cover or cover with higher limits could work out to be more beneficial for you if you get into strife on your trip.
Remember, at the end of the day, the more that’s included in your travel insurance policy, the more protected you will be.
5. Do you have a pre-existing medical condition?
Pre-existing medical conditions can exclude you from certain benefits, so if you do have a condition or illness, you may need to do a little more research and compare the options that are available to you and your specific condition.
If you are pregnant or becoming pregnant on your holiday, you should also investigate what is/isn’t covered here as well.
6. Read the terms and conditions carefully
This is the best (and often only) way to understand what your policy involves and whether it is right for you and your trip. You should take special note of:
- specific inclusions and exclusions
- conditions surrounding cover levels or items
- circumstances, actions or events that might exclude you from cover (e.g. driving while under the influence).
If there are any areas or clauses you don’t understand, make sure you clarify these with the provider before you buy. Consider phoning the provider or making an appointment with them in person so that they can go through it the terms and conditions with you.
InsureandGo award winning travel insurance offers 24-hour emergency assistance, cover for travellers up to the age of 100, free cover for children travelling with parents and grandparents, 90 sports and activities are automatically included, and much more.
Get 10 per cent off your next policy at www.insureandgo.com.au or phone 1300 552 701.
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited, ABN 49 000 525 637, issues InsureandGo Travel Insurance (the insurance). Please read the combined product disclosure statement and financial services guide available at www.insureandgo.com.au/policy-wordings.html to decide if the insurance is right for you.
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