Insurance - DO's and DON'Ts

... take out your insurance before you travel. It can be very difficult to arrange once your holiday has started. Normally, insurers will not grant cover once a journey has commenced, leaving you exposed to a significant financial risk and a delay in the assistance you may desperately need.

... ensure that you take all documentation for your travel policy with you on holiday, especially the emergency assistance telephone number. You won’t be able to participate in our walks or sightseeing without producing your policy to our holiday leader. On Cruise & Walk holidays you won’t be able to board your cruise ship without evidence of adequate insurance!

... make sure that you have disclosed any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer when you take out the policy (including yourself and your dependent family).

... be aware that a ‘low cost’ policy may not provide a level of cover you require; often ‘low cost’ means ‘low cover ’ and a less-than-reassuring service when you most need it! Some insurers exclude ’walking activities’ or walking with a guide of any description and impose unrealistically low altitude limits.

... carry your EHIC within Europe at all times and check that it is current before you travel. Although an EHIC is no substitute for effective travel insurance, many insurers require that you use your EHIC where appropriate.

... keep your paperwork somewhere handy. Don’t delay your care whilst you hunt for your details. At a minimum you’ll need to provide:

• The name and telephone number of your insurance company
• Your policy mumber and date of issue
• The name and telephone number of the Emergency Assistance Company provided by your insurer

... make sure that your tour leader has up-to-date details of your holiday insurance so that he or she can assist you if you are in no position to assist yourself!

... think that buying travel insurance is an unnecessary extra expense on top of your holiday cost. At worst it can help you get the assistance and support you need – at best it could help save your life.

... rely on your credit card cover without checking it thoroughly first – normally this only provides cover for accidents and excludes important features such as medical or cancellation cover, mountain rescue or repatriation.