Tips before you travel – Your guide to a stress-free holiday

4 Oct

In the excitement leading up to a trip, it’s important to plan for any eventuality, because the last thing you want is to be unprepared in the event of any setbacks, such as travel delays, illness or lost luggage. We share our tips to help your travel plans run as smoothly as possible.

1) Protect Yourself in the Event of a Crisis

What are the chances of something going wrong on your holiday? The problem is, you just don’t know. Travel insurance can protect you against losses such as nonrefundable airfare, hotel and tour expenses, medical emergencies or damage to personal property. Make sure that your travel insurance covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions you have and activities that you plan to do, such as winter sports, scuba diving, bungee jumping, trekking and so on. Don’t assume all activities are covered, always check your planned activities with your travel provider.

2) Don’t Take Risks with your Health

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows any EU citizen to access state medical care when travelling in another EU country. However, the card is limited and doesn’t cover repatriation so it’s best to be on the safe side and not rely on it. Instead, ensure you have adequate cover under your travel insurance. (Please check for changes to the EHIC card following the impact of Brexit).

3) Check your Passport Expiry Date

If you’re planning on travelling to a European country, it’s definitely worth checking your passport expiry date before you book your holiday. The UK Government currently recommends that you have six months left on your passport on the date of your arrival in an EU country.

If you are travelling long haul, it is worth checking the required passport duration because the length of time required can vary for different countries.

Make sure you allow at least six weeks for passport renewals, so your replacement arrives in time for your holiday. If you’re travelling with family, don’t forget to check everyone else’s passports too!

4) Make the Best of a Situation

Travel disruption, including unexpected strikes, accidents and adverse weather conditions are out of your control. If you have booked your own holiday rather than using a travel agent, you should consider adding travel disruption cover to your insurance policy. This will help you claim for unexpected setbacks like delays, missed departures, enforced stay, unused travel and additional accommodation.

5) Keep Things Safe at Home

While you’re enjoying your holiday, knowing that everything is fine back home will help you to switch off. It’s worth asking friends, family or a neighbour to keep an eye on your house whilst you’re away to keep burglars at bay.

Perhaps they could leave a car on your drive, open and close curtains at appropriate times and pick up your post so that your house looks occupied. You could also consider installing interior light timers to turn on at night-time. If your house is unoccupied for more than 30 days you must notify your home insurer as cover restriction may apply.

What Should your Travel Insurance Policy Include?

Medical/Health

Reimburses you for medical and emergency dental expenses as a result of illness or injury while travelling so you can focus on what’s important, your family’s health and safety.

Travel Delay

If you are unable to go on holiday because of a travel delay, such as a flight delay or cancellation, this reimburses you for pre-paid travel expenses.

Holiday Cancellation

If you or a family member becomes ill and you are unable to go on your holiday, this reimburses you for pre-paid travel expenses. Always check that cancellation cover limit reflects the cost of the holiday.

Loss of Baggage

Reimburses you for lost, damaged or stolen personal items. Single article limits are generally applied. Any expensive items should be covered under your home insurance policy. Check with your home insurance provider.

Have any questions?

Contact our travel expert, Rachel Thomas on 02920 853759 or at rachel.thomas@thomas-carroll.co.uk to discuss your travel insurance needs.