Is travel insurance really necessary

If you’re planning a holiday and the unexpected happens, travel insurance cover could protect you from hefty costs and medical bills. No-one wants to be thinking of accidents or incidents while they’re on holiday, but if the worst does happen, the right policy can be indispensable.

My own personal experience has recently highlighted how important travel insurance can be, my sister was recently on a trip to the USA when, unfortunately, she had a stroke. Thankfully she had insurance and most important of all had declared all her pre-existing conditions. Had she not had either insurance or declared her conditions there would be no cover for her and we would be facing a bill of over £200,000. Unthinkable!

Here are 5 reasons why you should be covered for your holiday, whether it be a staycation or further afield.

1. Cancellation With the best will in the world, circumstances can upset your holiday plans before you even leave for your trip. Falling ill, being prevented from leaving due to unforeseen work circumstances, being posted abroad or even a death in the family can stop your break in its tracks. By ensuring you have a travel insurance policy from the time you book your holiday you will be covered for cancellation for a range of reasons. You may have lost your trip, but you won’t lose your money through no fault of your own.

2. Medical Enjoying your time away, when you have an accident or fall ill and need medical attention. Whilst an EHIC card is useful in Europe, you are still going to require additional assistance and you may have problems securing medical treatment at doctors and hospitals across the world. With a reputable insurance policy, bills for medicines, hospital stays and even being returned to the UK will be covered by your insurer. An air ambulance can cost over £20,000 to bring you home, so it is easy to see how important this cover can be.

3. Lost documents It is bad enough losing your passport or tickets, but to then be hit with bills to obtain a replacement document while you’re abroad really does add insult to injury.

4. Possessions, baggage and money If your bag gets stolen or is lost and you lose your clothes and other possessions, then this cover will make life easier. Travel insurance policies can include cover to enable you to replace items either while you are away or when you return to the UK. Losing cash if you are robbed or have your room broken into will be covered by many policies.

5. Peace of mind The real reason for ensuring you buy a policy that covers your travel needs. You can then relax and enjoy your break.