Table of Contents
Introduction to Travel Insurance
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is essential for protecting yourself during trips abroad – it covers medical costs if you fall ill while abroad and reimburses cancellation charges if you fall ill or lose your job.
A travel insurance policy should clearly outline what is and isn’t covered, including pre-existing medical conditions and emergency medical treatment.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) offers support related to travel insurance, and understanding your policy is crucial for a smooth trip. Emerald is one of the official partners of the FCDO in relation to travel insurance.
Travel insurance can provide compensation if your possessions are stolen, and it’s vital to choose a policy that suits your travel plans and budget.
If you are travelling in Europe, don’t also forget to apply for your European health insurance card (now a GHIC).
How Emerald Can Help With Your Travel Insurance Cover
Emerald is an award-winning travel insurer and has been for well over a decade. We pride ourselves on covering as many groups, destinations and issues as we are able. We manage single travellers, families, couples groups and also work with those with more severe medical conditions for single trip or annual multi trip policy cover.
You can see from our website what we have done, and why we started looking at the underserved communities after the founders spent decades as advocates for women and the LGBT+ community before we expanded.
If you want a travel insurance quote from award-winning Emerald, either get an online quote in minutes HERE or if you have questions you can call us on 0330 113 7109.
Types of Travel Insurance
Single-trip and Annual Multi Trip Cover
Single-trip policies cover one trip up to 365 days, while annual multi-trip policies cover multiple trips within a year, providing flexibility for frequent travelers.
Annual multi-trip policies can save time and money, and they often include coverage for cancellation, curtailment, baggage, and medical expenses.
Single-trip policies are ideal for those taking just one trip, and they can be more cost-effective for longer trips.
Both types of policies have their benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your travel frequency and needs.
Both should cover emergency medical treatment and emergency medical expenses but check your cover limits, especially for single trips, as those cover limits can sometimes be reduced to lower premiums. For an annual policy this usually higher as an annual policy can cover several trips.
Travel Insurance Coverage
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, including emergency medical treatment, medical claims, and ideally should cover £2m in Europe and £5m worldwide for most medical treatment. It does not cover elective or cosmetic medical treatment.
Policies should also cover cancellation charges, lost luggage, missed departure, personal possessions and personal belongings throughout the trip.
Travel insurance can provide cover for winter sports, cruises, and other specialized activities, but it’s essential to check the policy wording and often winter sports cover or cruise cover are optional extras, meaning that they cost more.
Understanding what your insurance policy covers and doesn’t cover helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures you’re adequately protected.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Disclosing Pre Existing Medical Condition
It’s crucial to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance to ensure you’re covered whether with an annual policy or single trip, so that you can get emergency medical treatment or emergency treatment when you need it.
Failing to disclose pre-existing medical conditions can lead to claim rejections, so it’s vital to be honest and transparent.
Some policies may cover pre-existing medical conditions, but this often comes with an additional premium depending on the level of cover.
Always check the policy wording and ask your insurer about their approach to pre-existing medical conditions.
Travel Documents and Insurance
Understanding Travel Insurance Documents
Travel insurance, including policy schedules and wording, should be carefully reviewed to understand what’s covered.
Keeping your travel insurance documents and policy number with you at all times is essential in case of an emergency.
Updating the Health & Medical ID section on your smartphone with insurance details can also be helpful.
Informing travel companions and family where your travel insurance details are kept can ensure they can assist in case of an emergency.
Making a Claim and Emergency Assistance
How to Make a Claim
Making a claim should be straightforward, but it’s essential to follow the correct procedures and provide required documentation.
Contacting your insurer first for advice on medical care or emergencies abroad can help ensure you receive the necessary treatment.
Keeping records of all correspondence and expenses related to your claim can help facilitate the process.
Understanding the claims process and what to expect can reduce stress and anxiety.
Emergency Medical Assistance
Emergency medical assistance is a critical component of travel insurance, providing 24/7 support in case of a medical emergency.
Contacting the Emergency Assistance Service if admitted to hospital or needing outpatient treatment can help ensure you receive the necessary care.
Having access to emergency medical treatment can be a lifesaver, and travel insurance can provide this essential coverage.
Always check the policy wording to understand what’s covered and what’s not and whether your policy will provide cover for everything that you need – and any age limit!
Specialised Travel Insurance
Winter Sports Cover and Global Health Insurance Card
Winter sports cover is essential for those participating in skiing, snowboarding, or other winter activities, providing protection against accidents and injuries.
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides UK residents access to state healthcare abroad at reduced or no cost, but it’s not a replacement for travel insurance.
Understanding the differences between GHIC and travel insurance can help you choose the right coverage for your needs.
Winter sports cover and GHIC can be essential components of your travel insurance policy, providing comprehensive protection.
Annual Travel Insurance and FAQs
Travel Insurance FAQs
Travel insurance FAQs can provide valuable information and answers to common questions, helping you understand your policy and make informed decisions.
From policy excess and limits to making a claim and emergency assistance, FAQs can be a useful resource.
Understanding the most frequently asked questions can help you navigate the complexities of travel insurance and choose the right policy to provide cover that you need.
Always check our website or contact our customer service team for more information. Please bear in mind that we will try to help but we are not a medical professional or a medical practitioner!
Policy Excess and Limits
Understanding Policy Excess
Policy excess is the amount payable towards a claim, and it’s essential to understand how it works and what’s covered.
Excess can vary, depending on the policy and insurer, and it is crucial to factor this into your budget.
Understanding policy limits, including single article limits and maximum trip duration, can help you choose the right policy.
Always check the policy wording to understand what’s covered and what’s not.
Travel Insurance Providers and Services
About Emerald
Emerald offers a range of policies and services, including single-trip, annual multi-trip, and specialized cover.
We provide 24/7 emergency medical assistance, and our customer service team is available to answer your questions.
Our policies are designed to provide comprehensive protection and peace of mind, and we’re committed to helping you choose the right coverage.
From travel insurance wording to making a claim, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Conclusion
How Emerald Can Help With Your Travel Insurance Needs
Emerald is here to help with your travel needs, whether annual multi trip cover or just a short weekend break. We pride ourselves on covering as many groups, destinations and issues as we are able. We were founded in a mission to better serve women and the LGBT+ community in the insurance sector. Travel insurance was one of our first areas. Now can can cover nearly everyone!
You can see from our website what we have done. In the meantime, if you want a travel insurance quote, either get an online quote in minutes HERE or if you have questions you can call us on 0330 113 7109.
Summary Article for Financial Conduct Authority purposes – medical cover for single trip. annual multi trip policies; travel insurance for emergency medical expenses for medical conditions; emergency medical treatment costs; specialist cover for women travellers; level of cover for any age limit; review of travel insurance costs; discussion of pre existing conditions; insurance cover cancelled flights
