Need Help Choosing the Right Travel Insurance? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading as we guide you through what’s included in standard travel insurance and highlight situations where a specialist policy might be needed.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

A standard travel insurance policy typically provides protection for a range of unexpected events, including:

  • Loss or theft of luggage and passports.
  • Cancellation or curtailment of your trip.
  • Medical treatment if you become ill or have an accident while traveling.
  • Repatriation: Covering the costs of bringing you home if needed.

Most policies also include:

  • Legal costs: Expenses and assistance in the event you need to claim compensation because someone else causes you illness, injury or death.
  • Hospital Benefit: A daily benefit amount while you are in a hospital or confined to your accommodation on the advice of a medical practitioner.
  • Personal Accident:  A financial lump sum in the event you suffer death, loss of limb or disablement as a result of an accident during your trip.
  • Personal Liability: To help you if you are found liable for damage to someone else’s property or cause another person illness, injury or death.

However, not all policies are the same, so it’s crucial to assess your needs and the risks associated with your trip carefully.

What Medical Expenses Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Medical cover is a common feature in travel insurance and typically includes a 24-hour helpline. Key provisions often include:

  • Repatriation: Transporting you home if you’re injured or can’t use your original ticket.
  • Emergency medical expenses: Covering the cost of treatment and ambulance services.
  • Accommodation and travel for next of kin: If a loved one needs to travel to support or accompany you.

It’s important to verify your policy details, as some may not cover these scenarios. Medical and repatriation costs, especially in countries like the USA, can be very high without insurance.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

Most travel insurance policies offer some level of cover for Coronavirus-related disruptions. For example:

  • Emergency medical treatment and repatriation if you contract COVID whilst away plus additional transport and accommodation if you are unable to return home as planned.
  • Cancellation if you or a close relative has COVID.
  • Cutting your trip short if you have to come home early due to a change in government advice.

However, cover varies, so ensure you check the specifics when getting a quote.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

Specialist policies are available for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cancers or heart conditions. These policies often cost more, and you must declare all conditions and medications when purchasing the policy. Failure to do so could result in declined claims even if its unrelated to the undisclosed condition.

Is Repatriation Always Covered?

Repatriation for illness, injury, or in the event of death is typically included in most travel insurance policies. However, the specific terms can vary, so review the policy details carefully.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Cancellation?

Standard travel insurance generally covers cancellations for unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or injury. It usually does not cover cancellations for:

  • Pre-existing conditions (unless declared and covered).
  • A change of mind.
  • Work commitments.

Are Family Bereavements Covered?

Most standard policies provide cover if a close family member passes away, affecting your travel plans. This can include compensation for non-refundable expenses like flights or hotel bookings. Be sure to review how “close family” is defined in your policy.

Are Baggage and Belongings Covered?

Lost or stolen luggage is typically included, but exclusions often apply for:

  • Unattended items.
  • Insecurely stored belongings.

Policies usually have a single item claim limit. If you’re traveling with valuable items, such as electronics or jewellery, consider additional insurance.

What About Passports?

Most policies cover lost or stolen passports, including:

  • Emergency travel documents.
  • Replacement flights and extra accommodation.

Some may also cover the cost of a new passport, but this is not guaranteed.

Types of Travel Insurance Available

Travel insurance options include:

What Is Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

Common exclusions include:

  • High-risk activities and sports (unless covered under a specialist policy).
  • Travel to regions advised against by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
  • Events like civil unrest and natural disasters.
  • Pre-existing conditions (unless covered under a specialist policy).
  • High-value items.
  • Putting yourself in needless risk.
  • Incidents related to alcohol or drug misuse.
  • Travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner.
  • Claims arising from failure to obtain recommended vaccines prior to your trip.
  • Confiscation or destruction of property by customs.
  • Working while away (unless covered under a specialist policy).
  • Any circumstance that you were aware of at the time of booking your trip that could reasonably have been expected to give raise to a claim.

Sports and Activities Cover

Standard travel insurance covers low-risk activities like swimming or leisure cycling. For higher-risk activities (e.g., skiing, bungee jumping), you’ll likely need specialist sports travel insurance. Cover for sports equipment loss or damage may also require additional policies.

Are Airline Strikes Covered?

Travel insurance may provide cover for costs incurred due to airline strikes, provided the strike wasn’t announced when you booked your trip. Cover might include:

  • Costs from a cancellation or 24+ hour delay.
  • Expenses from disruptions caused by the strike (excluding the cost of the flight itself).

Does Travel Insurance Include Legal Cover?

Policies often include:

  • Legal defence if you’re sued for causing injury or damage.
  • Assistance with legal costs to seek compensation if you’re injured in an accident.

What Happens If I Don’t Declare a Pre-Existing Condition?

Failure to declare a pre-existing condition may invalidate your policy. This could leave you responsible for costly medical bills, consultations, or repatriation expenses. Always disclose your medical history when purchasing travel insurance.

If you need tailored advice or assistance finding the right travel insurance, Brunel Insurance for People is here to help!