24/7 Travel Insurance Blog

There is really no argument for not taking out holiday insurance. You only have to look at figures highlighting the cost of repatriation to the UK on the FCO website to realise the consequences of not taking out holiday insurance:

£35-45,000 - air ambulance from USA’s East coast

£12-16,000 - air ambulance from the Canary Islands

£15-20,000 - scheduled flight, stretcher and Doctor escort from Australia

Figures supplied by FirstAssist Services Ltd.

But as you will see from 24/7 travel insurance’s website, there are vast differences in prices for buying holiday insurance. So how can you find the best value holiday insurance policy for your needs?

Choosing the right holiday insurance policy

There are three main policy types to chose from; Single-trip, Annual Multi-trip and Backpacker. But selecting the right policy type depends on what sort of travelling you are likely to be doing and how often you go away.

Annual Multi-trip holiday insurance

If you are likely to go away more than once a year you will most likely be better off buying an Annual Multi-trip policy. Most Annual policies allow you to take any number of round trips during the policy period and are ideal for those who like to book last minute holidays and weekend breaks. However, don’t forget that Annual Multi-trip policies will have a maximum single trip limit (typically 31 days) and if you exceed this limit you may find yourself uninsured! So make sure the single trip limit is sufficient for your needs. If you are uncertain of your travel plans, consider buying an Annual Multi-trip policy for Europe only as you can always upgrade it during the year.

Single-trip holiday insurance

If you tend to have one main holiday a year, then a Single-trip policy is probably your best option. A Single-trip policy will provide cover for one specific trip and the maximum trip duration will vary from provider to provider.

Backpacker travel insurance

For those going on a Gap-year, the cheapest option is most likely to be a Backpacker policy which typically allow you to choose cover up a maximum of 18 months. Backpacker policies usually have lower cover limits than Single-trip policies so it is vitally important that you check that the Backpacker policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.

Don’t pay for cover you don’t need!

Some holiday insurance policies offer discounts for deleting certain sections of cover that you don’t need. For example, if your home contents insurance policy covers you for your personal possessions abroad you may not need the cover under your holiday insurance policy.

Shop around for the best holiday insurance deal!

It was not so long ago that purchasing holiday insurance either meant buying an expensive policy from the Travel Agent or Tour Operator, or having to phone around getting quotes. But now thanks to the Internet you can buy your holiday insurance more easily and, in many cases, cheaper! Price comparison web sites such as Moneysupermarket allow you to compare a large number of policies in just a few clicks. You can also buy direct from providers such as Insure and Go, Post Office and 24/7 travel insurance to name just three.

It’s also worth shopping around if you are seeking a family travel insurance policy as some providers such as 24/7 travel insurance offer FREE cover for children under the age of 18 (as long as they are accompanied by an adult insured on the same policy).

Travel checklist

You can find plenty of useful information on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website by clicking here.

Don’t scrimp on holiday insurance!

You may need to rely on it in the event of an emergency abroad so make sure you read the Policy Summary (Keyfacts) document and Policy Wording before you buy it. Check what you’re covered for, including any activities you might want to undertake. Not buying holiday insurance could cost you a lot more if you do get into difficulties.

You can get an instant quote and immediate cover by going online to 24/7 travel insurance and if you arrange your cover as soon as you book your holiday you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip.

24/7 travel insurance offers great deals on all holiday insurance types and with premiums starting at just £4.38** it is worth a visit!

* Premium £4.38 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a ‘standard’ single-trip policy for 3 days to Europe, travelling within 14 days of departure date and excluding personal possessions cover. Cover details and prices are correct at the time of going to press (December 2008) and are subject to change.

Labels: Travel

Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is a little over an hour’s flight from the UK making it an ideal destination for a weekend break. In this blog we have rounded up some highlights to choose from if the mood takes you to visit.

Phoenix Park

Did you know that Phoenix Park is Europe’s largest urban park with an area of 707 hectares making it double the size of New York’s Central Park. This area was originally priory lands and later became royal hunting grounds. Here you can visit the well renowned Dublin Zoo, which is the third oldest zoo in the world, or relax in the recreational areas and gardens with their conservatories and arboretum. The official residence of the Irish Republic is also situated in the Park's grounds. The park is about 11 km in circumference and includes part of the Liffey valley.

Click here for more information.

Dublin Castle

Dating back to the early 1200's, the castle is at the heart of historic Dublin, The City’s name comes from the Black Pool or 'Dubh Linn' which was sited where the present castle garden now grows. Prior to the days of the castle, the area was the site of an early Gaelic Ring fort and later a Viking fortress, part of which is on display to visitors.

The castle has had many modifications since it was built in the 1200's. The building you will see today was still in use up until 1922 as the offices of the British Viceroy of Ireland. Today, it is used for ceremonial functions, such as the inauguration of the country's president. If you want to know more click here

Oscar Wilde’s House

Situated on Merrion Square, all literary fans must visit Oscar Wilde’s house, which not only was the family home but is also an outstanding example of Georgian architecture. The residence of the Wilde family since 1855, the young Wilde lived here until 1876.

As well as being known for his eccentricities and bohemian lifestyle, the image of the young Wilde is of his hair in long flowing tresses and surrounding himself with beautiful things but he was a man of many talents.

A novelist, playwright, poet, and critic of note, his brilliance and wit won him many devotees. His best known plays include An Ideal Husband (1895), and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895), are still popular today with their cleverly constructed plots and witty dialogue.

The ground and first floors of the house are open for guided tours and fees go towards the financing of further restoration. To find out more click here.

Guinness Brewery

If you are a serious Guinness drinker you should check out one of Dublin’s greatest success stories. It was as far back as 1759 that Arthur Guinness took over a small disused brewery which he cannily leased for nine thousand years at £45 per year. When his first export shipment of Guinness left Dublin in 1769,he was on his way to untold riches.

From brewing ale, Arthur moved onto brewing porter, a dark beer containing roasted barley, which proved very popular among pubs in Ireland and elsewhere in Britain. Knowing he was onto a good thing, Arthur’s creative genius came up with another delight, ‘stout’ and ‘Guinness’ was born! Over seven million glasses are consumed each day throughout the world. Now the largest brewery in Europe and covering some sixty acres, Guinness is the largest exporter of beer in the world. So visit this huge brewery on Crane Street and whet your thirst - you are guaranteed to enjoy your afternoon pint with even more relish than usual. Check out www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/Index.aspx for further information.


Croke Park Stadium

For all sporting and music fans Croke Park Stadium is a place not to be missed with its fantastic atmosphere and a capacity of 82,300 people. 2009 will see something for everyone ranging from the Six Nations through to Take That in concert. So whatever you do in Dublin ensure you fit this into your itinerary! To find out more visit: www.crokepark.ie/.


Don’t forget your holiday insurance!

If this blog has inspired you to book a trip to Dublin, make sure you take out holiday insurance before you go. 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for a couple for 3 days from just £8.77*.

You can get an instant quote and immediate cover by going online to 24/7 travel insurance and if you arrange your cover as soon as you book your holiday you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip.

Be protected wherever you travel with holiday insurance!

* Includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 2 adults aged under 55 taking out a ‘Standard’ Single Trip 24/7 travel insurance holiday insurance policy for 3 days in Europe and travelling within 14 days of purchase and excluding personal possessions cover. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2008) and are subject to change.

Labels: Dublin

If you are looking to go to one of the most spectacular cities in the world, then look no further than New York City. Also commonly referred to as the ‘Big Apple’, the city with its world famous skyscrapers is certainly not short of attractions for tourists, and in this blog we will look at a selection of some of the best places to visit which should make you want to get on the next plane out there!

Central Park

Considering that Central Park is as large as 843 acres there is certainly not a shortage of things to get your teeth into. Whether you are keen on your fitness and feel like going for a jog, or you fancy cycling around the Park or simply going for a Sunday morning stroll, there is something for everyone. For both young and old, the Friedsam Memorial Carousel and the Belvedere Castle provide some fantastic views of the city. For the Ice Skating fans out there, the Wollman Rink is the place to go, and for the opportunity to race mini-yachts or rent your own boat make sure you go to the Conservatory Water. To find out more about this landmark including event listings, maps, photos, walking tours, history, etc. visit: http://www.centralpark.com/ .

Metropolitan Museum of Art

If you want to delve into a bit of culture on your visit, then the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a great place to go to. It has international works from artists of all styles, genres and time periods, having a history of 5,000 years of art. Among the places to visit are the Cloisters which are in a separate building in northern Manhattan and contain a medieval art collection which is of the highest quality. So don’t miss out on the opportunity and sample the walking tours, lectures and concerts which are amongst some of the things on offer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Click here for more information.

The Staten Island Ferry

Taking the Staten Island Ferry gives you the opportunity to see spectacular views of New York harbour. As you leave Manhattan you can also get the chance to see the awesome sight which is the Statue of Liberty - one of the most famous figures in the world. Other sites include the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and Ellis Island. If you haven’t been blown away yet, there is also the opportunity to have a prime view of the skyscrapers and the Brooklyn Bridge to complete the experience. To find out more and see why 20 million people a year take this ferry service, go to http://www.siferry.com to see for yourself.

Sports Museum of America

The Sports Museum of America is located in Lower Manhattan and is the country’s first and only museum under one roof to celebrate all of the sports Americans love. It’s a really satisfying experience for people of any age, nationality or ability which makes it a very worthwhile experience. The great thing about the museum is the fact that it is an interactive and multimedia experience which enables visitors to connect to the sports that they enjoy. For further information, visit http://www.sportsmuseum.com/.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty (also known affectionately as "Lady Liberty) is one of the most historic landmarks in the world and is a sight to behold for any visitor. It is steeped in history due to it being a gift of friendship from the people of France in 1886 and is the universal symbol of freedom and democracy. When you are inside the base of the statue, there are a number of concessions and exhibits, and when you are on the observation deck the harbour views are as good as it gets! So for all you historians out there, if you haven’t been yet make sure you get the chance and you can then tell all your friends and family about the experience. For more information, check out http://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm .

Finally...don’t forget to take out travel insurance!

Whilst it is easy to get carried away with researching your trip to NYC and planning your itinerary, please make sure you buy your travel insurance after you have booked your flights and accommodation. Medical costs can be expensive even for a minor injury, so don’t skimp by not taking out this essential insurance cover. It could save you a fortune!

24/7 Travel Insurance offers great value and can bought direct from the provider at their website: www.247travelinsurance.co.uk . A trip to New York for a week will only cost only £17.52 – a small price to pay for peace of mind so you can really relax and enjoy sampling the sites of the Big Apple!

*Premium £17.52 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 1 adult aged under 55 taking out a “standard” Single-trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 7 days in the USA excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2008) and are subject to change.

Labels: NYC