Holidays have usually been saved up hard for, through weeks and months in the workplace. Given we are all feeling the pinch right now ? with increased utility bills, the rising cost of fuel, a more expensive weekly shop, it makes sense therefore to ensure that you look after the pennies, because as the old adage goes, the pounds will look after themselves.
To this end, what would happen if something went wrong while you were abroad? Few of us think very much about it, because as we've gone away to enjoy ourselves and to quit worrying about everyday problems. Nevertheless the statistics point to a considerable number of us who travel on holiday without any form of travel insurance cover.
Why do we require a good travel insurance policy, and more importantly why should we make sure we are insured when travelling abroad? The reason is simply down to the potential cost that could arise if you were not ? suffering a heart attack or being involved in a skiing accident for example ? can cost up to ?1m in medical bills. For a couple of pounds each day, you would be glad of the policy benefits if this did occur.
Naturally, accidents can happen wherever you are be this at home or abroad, but remember that if you are uninsured ? for example you were involved in an accident with someone while water skiing, you could be looking at the unexpected cost of damages payable to the other person.
Nearly all good policies cover you for hospital treatment while abroad as well as up to a certain amount of financial assistance for a relative or close family member to be with you, which is very reassuring in a time of need.
More common holiday problems such as flight cancellations, or unexpected changes to the itinerary necessitating overnight stays in a hotel would involve, unwelcome extra costs especially at a time when we are all a little short of money.
Lost or stolen possessions like cameras and watches ? and even mobile phones ? can be covered under a good policy and remember that the best place to do one's research and get a cheap deal is online. It is cheaper in the long term to make a claim on a travel insurance policy than it is on household insurance.
It really does make sense to look carefully at travel insurance before you go away because while it may be seen as an extra expense you don't need, you will be very grateful for it should something unfortunate happen ? leaving you well within your original holiday budget and with added peace of mind.
