Friday, 22 May 2009
Travel Insurance – don’t go without it!
Nearly half of British travellers will fail to take out insurance, according to Opinion Research. The survey reveals that one in twelve British holidaymakers never take out travel insurance, while one in 20 would not cover themselves for a European break. Almost half of those respondents would not insure themselves for a holiday in the UK, despite the fact that from 1st April, travellers to the Channel Islands will need to pay for any medical treatment if they fall ill or are injured while there. Adequate travel insurance is a must, read on to find out why…
Cancellation
If you arrange your insurance cover as soon as you book your holiday, you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip. Without holiday insurance you will more than likely lose your booking deposit or worse still, be liable for the full cost of your holiday. Sudden cancellations or change in travel plans can occur due to medical or other emergencies. Your policy may cover you in certain circumstances when you have to cancel your trip and have incurred cancellation charges. So if you unexpectedly have an accident or illness just before you are due to travel, your travel insurance may well be able to cover the cancellation costs of your holiday.
Medical cover
If the inevitable happens and you fall ill or have an accident abroad, and you don’t have holiday insurance you could be paying a heavy price. Medical treatment can cost thousands of pounds particularly in countries such as the USA. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says it costs a staggering £35,000 for an air ambulance from the east coast of America back to the UK, and between £12,000 and £16,000 from the Canary Islands.* Protection for your medical expenses abroad is an essential element of insurance cover. In the event of illness or accident, the emergency assistance company on behalf of your insurer will act quickly to arrange treatment, agree hospital or clinic bills and if required handle repatriation back to you UK when appropriate.
*source: The Guardian
Personal possessions
Unfortunately, lost baggage is an all too common occurrence. Cover is available under most policies for loss of personal possessions whilst travelling or abroad. Baggage and Personal items generally have an overall limit and single item/valuables limits within this, so if you are planning to take expensive items check you have adequate cover. Do not rely on compensation from an airline if it loses your luggage as the compensation from your airline is unlikely to cover the full value of your possessions. So adequate travel insurance is the best bet! Check out 24/7 travel insurance for some handy travel tips.
Note: For your valuable items you should check with your household contents insurer that these are covered whilst abroad before you go.
Types of travel insurance
When buying your travel insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure the policy you buy provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your travel insurance documentation with you on holiday and keep the 24 hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number. Click here for an instant 24/7 travel insurance quote, for just £5.91* 24/7 travel insurance will cover you for a 3-day trip to Europe!
*Premium £5.91 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe including personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (May 2009) and are subject to change.
Cancellation
If you arrange your insurance cover as soon as you book your holiday, you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip. Without holiday insurance you will more than likely lose your booking deposit or worse still, be liable for the full cost of your holiday. Sudden cancellations or change in travel plans can occur due to medical or other emergencies. Your policy may cover you in certain circumstances when you have to cancel your trip and have incurred cancellation charges. So if you unexpectedly have an accident or illness just before you are due to travel, your travel insurance may well be able to cover the cancellation costs of your holiday.
Medical cover
If the inevitable happens and you fall ill or have an accident abroad, and you don’t have holiday insurance you could be paying a heavy price. Medical treatment can cost thousands of pounds particularly in countries such as the USA. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says it costs a staggering £35,000 for an air ambulance from the east coast of America back to the UK, and between £12,000 and £16,000 from the Canary Islands.* Protection for your medical expenses abroad is an essential element of insurance cover. In the event of illness or accident, the emergency assistance company on behalf of your insurer will act quickly to arrange treatment, agree hospital or clinic bills and if required handle repatriation back to you UK when appropriate.
*source: The Guardian
Personal possessions
Unfortunately, lost baggage is an all too common occurrence. Cover is available under most policies for loss of personal possessions whilst travelling or abroad. Baggage and Personal items generally have an overall limit and single item/valuables limits within this, so if you are planning to take expensive items check you have adequate cover. Do not rely on compensation from an airline if it loses your luggage as the compensation from your airline is unlikely to cover the full value of your possessions. So adequate travel insurance is the best bet! Check out 24/7 travel insurance for some handy travel tips.
Note: For your valuable items you should check with your household contents insurer that these are covered whilst abroad before you go.
Types of travel insurance
When buying your travel insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure the policy you buy provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your travel insurance documentation with you on holiday and keep the 24 hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number. Click here for an instant 24/7 travel insurance quote, for just £5.91* 24/7 travel insurance will cover you for a 3-day trip to Europe!
*Premium £5.91 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 3 days in Europe including personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (May 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: Travel-Insurance
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 12:28
Monday, 18 May 2009
Great Adventure Activity Holidays!
If you have been inspired by the effort of the Comic Relief celebs climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and fancy yourself as a bit of an adventure junkie, then this blog is for you!
Preparation is the key
Remember to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to cover you for the unexpected. Accidents do happen, and by taking out travel insurance cover immediately you will be protected should you need to cancel your adventure activity holiday. Check out 24/7 Travel Insurance for an instant quotation which includes cover for 70 activities as standard.
To help you have a safe trip, 24/7 Travel Insurance website has some handy tips click here.
Windsurfing
For a windsurfing holiday set amongst spectacular scenery head to Dahab in Egypt. Located on the south eastern side of the Sinai peninsular a short 1-hour drive from Sharm el Sheikh, the impressive wind records recorded on the Gulf of Aqaba makes Dahab the ideal destination to perfect your windsurfing skills. Check out Neilson.co.uk for further details.
Paragliding
If learning to paraglide in the sun interests you then head to southern Europe. France is where paragliding started and has more flying sites and schools than any other country in Europe. With grass slopes, stunning scenery and generally very good flying conditions from April to October, France is the best place to learn paragliding. For great paragliding courses check out Airsports Paragliding who have been running paragliding holidays in France and Europe since 1992.
Scuba Diving
For a spectacular scuba diving holiday jet off to the Thai island of Koh Tao and explore beneath the tropical warm waters. Scuba Diving Holidays offer PADI open water courses in Koh Tao and includes accommodation, flights, transfers and experienced instructors and guides.
Trekking
Nepal boasts some of the best trekking routes in the world. For stunning mountain views and a range of forest wildlife, a challenging trek up to an altitude of 2000m is ideal for beginners. Responsibletravel.com run a 14-day trekking tour which includes wildlife watching, Nepalese culture and traditional architecture, temples and arts of the Kathmandu Valley. This trip combines a little of all the aspects that makes Nepal so popular with travellers.
White Water Rafting
For a classic rafting holiday a visit to the Grand Canyon in the USA is a must! With 226 miles of rafting set amidst gorgeous scenery, you get to camp on spectacular beaches with just the sound of the Colorado River in the background to send you to sleep. Check out Water By Nature who are one of the main operators for USA rafting and kayaking tours.
Bungee Jumping
Instead of popping over the channel to stock up on alcohol and tobacco, why not stock up on thrills! Hop onboard the ferry to Rock n Roll Adventures in Caen for a day trip with a difference. Bungee from the top of a 61m high platform on an old railway viaduct (designed by the same man responsible for the Eiffel Tower!) and experience the thrill of bungee jumping! A return day trip to France on Brittany Ferries costs £20pp*
*based on 1 adult travelling on 12th May 2009 from Portsmouth to Caen, reclining seat, no vehicle option. Price taken from Brittany Ferry website on 12th May.
Travel insurance is a must!
Don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you leave home, just in case you have an accident or fall ill on your travels. Please ensure you check the policy wording to make sure you have cover for your chosen activity. 24/7 travel insurance offers great value cover and automatically covers 70 activities! A 7-day trip to Europe costs only £8.50** - a small price to pay for peace of mind to really enjoy your activity holiday!
** Premium £8.50 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 7 days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (May 2009) and are subject to change.
Preparation is the key
Remember to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to cover you for the unexpected. Accidents do happen, and by taking out travel insurance cover immediately you will be protected should you need to cancel your adventure activity holiday. Check out 24/7 Travel Insurance for an instant quotation which includes cover for 70 activities as standard.
To help you have a safe trip, 24/7 Travel Insurance website has some handy tips click here.
Windsurfing
For a windsurfing holiday set amongst spectacular scenery head to Dahab in Egypt. Located on the south eastern side of the Sinai peninsular a short 1-hour drive from Sharm el Sheikh, the impressive wind records recorded on the Gulf of Aqaba makes Dahab the ideal destination to perfect your windsurfing skills. Check out Neilson.co.uk for further details.
Paragliding
If learning to paraglide in the sun interests you then head to southern Europe. France is where paragliding started and has more flying sites and schools than any other country in Europe. With grass slopes, stunning scenery and generally very good flying conditions from April to October, France is the best place to learn paragliding. For great paragliding courses check out Airsports Paragliding who have been running paragliding holidays in France and Europe since 1992.
Scuba Diving
For a spectacular scuba diving holiday jet off to the Thai island of Koh Tao and explore beneath the tropical warm waters. Scuba Diving Holidays offer PADI open water courses in Koh Tao and includes accommodation, flights, transfers and experienced instructors and guides.
Trekking
Nepal boasts some of the best trekking routes in the world. For stunning mountain views and a range of forest wildlife, a challenging trek up to an altitude of 2000m is ideal for beginners. Responsibletravel.com run a 14-day trekking tour which includes wildlife watching, Nepalese culture and traditional architecture, temples and arts of the Kathmandu Valley. This trip combines a little of all the aspects that makes Nepal so popular with travellers.
White Water Rafting
For a classic rafting holiday a visit to the Grand Canyon in the USA is a must! With 226 miles of rafting set amidst gorgeous scenery, you get to camp on spectacular beaches with just the sound of the Colorado River in the background to send you to sleep. Check out Water By Nature who are one of the main operators for USA rafting and kayaking tours.
Bungee Jumping
Instead of popping over the channel to stock up on alcohol and tobacco, why not stock up on thrills! Hop onboard the ferry to Rock n Roll Adventures in Caen for a day trip with a difference. Bungee from the top of a 61m high platform on an old railway viaduct (designed by the same man responsible for the Eiffel Tower!) and experience the thrill of bungee jumping! A return day trip to France on Brittany Ferries costs £20pp*
*based on 1 adult travelling on 12th May 2009 from Portsmouth to Caen, reclining seat, no vehicle option. Price taken from Brittany Ferry website on 12th May.
Travel insurance is a must!
Don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you leave home, just in case you have an accident or fall ill on your travels. Please ensure you check the policy wording to make sure you have cover for your chosen activity. 24/7 travel insurance offers great value cover and automatically covers 70 activities! A 7-day trip to Europe costs only £8.50** - a small price to pay for peace of mind to really enjoy your activity holiday!
** Premium £8.50 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 7 days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (May 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: Activity-Holidays
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 10:03
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Carry on Camping!
More and more Britons are looking for holidays offering the best value for money especially in this economic climate. Many people are opting for a camping holiday this summer. What better way to enjoy a relaxing and friendly setting and wake up to some of the best views in the UK or further afield in Europe. In this blog we’ll look at what essential camping equipment you will need…along with your 24/7 travel insurance for a great camping trip!
The Great Outdoors
As people tighten their belts and seek cheaper holidays you can benefit from reduced accommodation costs by sleeping under the stars on a camping holiday. Sian Brenchley from Enjoy England commented that the number of people choosing camping holidays is rising. "The current economic climate is going to add to that. In 2006 Brits made 4.7 million camping trips in the UK and that rose to 4.8 million in 2007.”
*Source BBC
The most popular camping destinations for UK holidaymakers include France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Holland. A camping trip to the continent is by far cheaper than shelling out for hotel costs. You can either research and follow your own itinerary or enlist the help of a camping specialist such as Eurocamp, Keycamp or the Camping and Caravanning Club.
Many campsites include facilities for eating, drinking, washing, cooking and swimming. If you are travelling with children you can take advantage of the exciting activities often on offer nearby as many campsites boast attractions such as surfing, walking, canoeing, kayaking and horse riding. Click here for a list of activities 24/7 travel insurance automatically covers.
Camping Checklist:
Check your camping equipment is still in good working order. If you’ve had it stored away in your garage then do a test check in advance before you leave for your holiday – better to be safe than sorry! Most campsites also provide refreshments in on-site restaurants, cafes and takeaway food spots so find out what's there before you go and adapt your camping kit accordingly:
Sleeping – Tent (with pegs and guy ropes), groundsheet, flysheet, mallet, sleeping bags/blankets, roll mats, pillows.
Cooking equipment – Stove, gas, matches/lighter, cool box, pans, pots, plates, cutlery, cups, cooking utensils, tin opener, bottle opener, knife, foil, washing-up kit, basic food.
Personal hygiene – Soap, shampoo, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, toilet roll, wet wipes.
Clothes – Jumper, waterproofs, t-shirts, shirt, long trousers, shorts, boots/walking shoes, flip flops, swimsuit, sun hat.
First aid – Insect repellent, sun cream, antihistamines, antiseptic, plasters/bandages, pain relief.
Miscellaneous – Torch, phone, camera, radio, backpack, fold-up chairs and table, sewing kit, duct tape, spare rope, map.
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
Wherever it is that you may be planning to go camping, don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you go. 24/7 travel insurance offers great deals, for example if you happen to be camping in Europe for 2 weeks the cost is only £10.64* - a small price to pay for peace of mind!
* £10.64 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 14 days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (May 2009) and are subject to change.
The Great Outdoors
As people tighten their belts and seek cheaper holidays you can benefit from reduced accommodation costs by sleeping under the stars on a camping holiday. Sian Brenchley from Enjoy England commented that the number of people choosing camping holidays is rising. "The current economic climate is going to add to that. In 2006 Brits made 4.7 million camping trips in the UK and that rose to 4.8 million in 2007.”
*Source BBC
The most popular camping destinations for UK holidaymakers include France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Holland. A camping trip to the continent is by far cheaper than shelling out for hotel costs. You can either research and follow your own itinerary or enlist the help of a camping specialist such as Eurocamp, Keycamp or the Camping and Caravanning Club.
Many campsites include facilities for eating, drinking, washing, cooking and swimming. If you are travelling with children you can take advantage of the exciting activities often on offer nearby as many campsites boast attractions such as surfing, walking, canoeing, kayaking and horse riding. Click here for a list of activities 24/7 travel insurance automatically covers.
Camping Checklist:
Check your camping equipment is still in good working order. If you’ve had it stored away in your garage then do a test check in advance before you leave for your holiday – better to be safe than sorry! Most campsites also provide refreshments in on-site restaurants, cafes and takeaway food spots so find out what's there before you go and adapt your camping kit accordingly:
Sleeping – Tent (with pegs and guy ropes), groundsheet, flysheet, mallet, sleeping bags/blankets, roll mats, pillows.
Cooking equipment – Stove, gas, matches/lighter, cool box, pans, pots, plates, cutlery, cups, cooking utensils, tin opener, bottle opener, knife, foil, washing-up kit, basic food.
Personal hygiene – Soap, shampoo, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, toilet roll, wet wipes.
Clothes – Jumper, waterproofs, t-shirts, shirt, long trousers, shorts, boots/walking shoes, flip flops, swimsuit, sun hat.
First aid – Insect repellent, sun cream, antihistamines, antiseptic, plasters/bandages, pain relief.
Miscellaneous – Torch, phone, camera, radio, backpack, fold-up chairs and table, sewing kit, duct tape, spare rope, map.
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
Wherever it is that you may be planning to go camping, don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you go. 24/7 travel insurance offers great deals, for example if you happen to be camping in Europe for 2 weeks the cost is only £10.64* - a small price to pay for peace of mind!
* £10.64 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on an individual traveller aged under 55 taking out a Standard single-trip policy for 14 days in Europe excluding personal possessions cover and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (May 2009) and are subject to change.
Labels: Camping
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 09:05
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Swine Flu, or influenza A (H1N1) - Travel Insurance General Information from 24/7 travel insurance
This is general advice. Please check the wording of your 24/7 travel insurance policy for full details.
Travel arrangements
Mexico - The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising against all but essential travel to Mexico. If you'd like more travel advice for specific countries, follow the link below to the FCO website http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/
If you are currently in Mexico, routine Consular and all visa services at the Embassy in Mexico City have been suspended until further notice. If you have an urgent consular issue, call the British Embassy on (01 55) 5242 8500 for help.
Most airlines and tour operators have now cancelled flights & holidays to Mexico and made plans to bring some tourists already in Mexico back to the UK. Many tour operators are offering customers alternative holiday destinations, a move of trip dates or a refund.
Customers who have booked a holiday should call their travel agent or tour operator to discuss options available. If no alternative has been offered by a tour operator, customers may be able to claim from their credit card company if this was the method of payment for the trip.
Before you travel
If you are looking for advice on how swine flu influenza A (H1N1) might affect your travel plans and the cover provided under your 24/7 travel insurance policy, you should first consult the FCO’s travel advice for the country concerned to see if the FCO have advised against travel. You can access FCO travel advice by country by following the link http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/
The situation is changing rapidly. It's vitally important that you check for the latest information just before you travel.
British nationals overseas
The FCO has provided a dedicated phone number 00 44 207 928 1010for all British nationals overseas to call if they become concerned about the current swine flu (HINI) outbreak. You can also keep up-to-date with the latest advice for British nationals overseas on the Foreign Office website.
24/7 travel insurance http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/
Travel arrangements
Mexico - The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising against all but essential travel to Mexico. If you'd like more travel advice for specific countries, follow the link below to the FCO website http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/
If you are currently in Mexico, routine Consular and all visa services at the Embassy in Mexico City have been suspended until further notice. If you have an urgent consular issue, call the British Embassy on (01 55) 5242 8500 for help.
Most airlines and tour operators have now cancelled flights & holidays to Mexico and made plans to bring some tourists already in Mexico back to the UK. Many tour operators are offering customers alternative holiday destinations, a move of trip dates or a refund.
Customers who have booked a holiday should call their travel agent or tour operator to discuss options available. If no alternative has been offered by a tour operator, customers may be able to claim from their credit card company if this was the method of payment for the trip.
Before you travel
If you are looking for advice on how swine flu influenza A (H1N1) might affect your travel plans and the cover provided under your 24/7 travel insurance policy, you should first consult the FCO’s travel advice for the country concerned to see if the FCO have advised against travel. You can access FCO travel advice by country by following the link http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/
The situation is changing rapidly. It's vitally important that you check for the latest information just before you travel.
British nationals overseas
The FCO has provided a dedicated phone number 00 44 207 928 1010for all British nationals overseas to call if they become concerned about the current swine flu (HINI) outbreak. You can also keep up-to-date with the latest advice for British nationals overseas on the Foreign Office website.
24/7 travel insurance http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/
If you have to change your travel dates, 24/7 travel insurance are able to amend dates without charge for single trip and Backpacker travel insurance policies but there are some caveats that apply, for example you must not have travelled and the rearranged travel dates must be within three months of the original date and for the same duration and destination. Any increase of the 24/7 travel insurance premium as a result of changing dates, destination or durations will be charged.
There is no refund of premium outside of the cooling off period.
What cover is provided under 24/7 travel insurance?
Cancellation/Curtailment:
If you contract swine flu before travel, whilst in UK, providing you are not aware that you have it at the time of booking the policy or holiday (whichever is earlier) you will be covered for cancellation.
If you become ill while overseas, and you are not aware that you were not aware that you have swine flu influenza A (H1N1) at the time of booking the policy or holiday (whichever is earlier) you will be covered for curtailment. Please note: Before curtailing a trip, contact must be made with the Emergency medical assistance services as shown in your 24/7 travel insurance policy.
Medical:
Cover is available for medical expenses if you travel to a country that the FCO is not advising against travel. You should follow the 24/7 travel insurance policy claims procedure in the usual way.
There is no cover for:
Disinclination to travel, for example, cancellation if you decide you do not want to travel.
Travel to a Country where the FCO has advised not to travel to due to swine flu.
Please note:
If this outbreak is raised to the official status of epidemic, 24/7 travel insurance policies, in line with most travel insurance policies include a General Exclusion.
Useful information
FCO website - http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/mexico
WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
British Nationals in Mexico, who have an urgent consular issue should call the Embassy on (01 55) 5242 8500 for assistance
24/7 travel insurance- http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/
Travellers checklist - http://www.247travelinsurance.co.uk/travellers_checklist.asp
Labels: Swine-Flu
// posted by 24/7 Travel Insurance @ 17:48
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