These days it is pretty simple to quickly weigh up the travel insurance market and choose a suitable product. The majority of people who buy travel insurance have no problems.
Of course there are bound to be those of us who honestly do not know their exemptions from their premiums. And if everyone came completely clean, there’s probably some things a lot of us aren’t one hundred per cent sure about. Here are a few frequently asked questions about the whole thing:
1. Is having a job whilst travelling okay? Well, not really, especially if it’s full-time. Some policies allow casual work such as fruit picking, mainly because of the backpacker market. But you never know what contacting the insurer will do. They may be able to work something out.
2. I forgot to get insurance. Can I buy it after I leave? Technically you must be still in your home country when you buy your policy. As soon as you pass through airport security you are classed as having left the country. Buy before you fly.
3. What if I want to cancel my travel insurance after purchase? As with many contractual obligations, travel insurance has a two-week period in which you can return the product for a full refund. You can’t have used the insurance, though.
4. I have a complex medical history. Do I need to inform my provider? You need to be totally honest with your travel insurance provider for your insurance to be legitimate. Should you need treatment and they find out that you haven’t been honest, they may refuse to pay for the treatment.
5. Can I get a refund on my holiday if the tour operator goes bust? In the current financial climate this is a major concern. This is something that varies from travel insurance policy to travel insurance policy, so check the small print and ask your insurer.
Asking these questions before buying travel insurance should clear up any confusion. If your needs are straightforward, buying insurance is a quick and easy process, but ensure that there are no circumstances that could invalidate your policy.