24/7 Travel Insurance Blog

Do you ever feel queasy when riding in a car, plane or boat? It is thought that everyone is potentially vulnerable to motion sickness, but some people are more vulnerable than others. It's not always motion that triggers the sickness, smells such as food or petrol and the anxiety that it's going to happen can all contribute. Don’t let motion sickness ruin your holiday, read on for our top tips on how to beat it…

Travelling by car
Firstly, ask the driver to take bends gently and not to accelerate and slow down repeatedly. It’s also a good idea to make hourly stops throughout the trip so you can get out for some fresh air and stretch your legs. Reading or games that encourage concentrating downwards should be left until the journey is over, instead try singing along to music or playing games that encourage looking ahead as this helps to prevent queasiness. A well ventilated car is a must to beat feelings of nausea, so consider opening your window for the car journey.

At sea
Get as much fresh air as possible away from the smell of fuel fumes and foods. Take deep breaths and drink plenty of water. Going out on deck is ideal, but make sure you focus on the horizon or something that isn't moving - don't watch the waves! Try to avoid looking down into your lap such as trying to read a book or playing a game as this can make people feel queasy. Try taking part in an activity or something to keep you busy on deck. This will keep your mind occupied so you will not be concentrating on feeling ill. The worst thing that you can do is go below decks with no land or horizon to look at!

Air travel
Ask your airline for a seat over the wing, where the plane is most stable. Tilt your seat back, rest your head on the headrest, and close your eyes. Music helps some people relax and takes their mind off feeling unwell. Focusing on a nearby object like the TV screen, might help to take your mind off of the feeling of nausea. Some people know they're going to be sick whatever they do. If this is the case, ask for a seat near the toilets. Being worried about suffering from motion sickness during a flight can raise levels of anxiety especially in those who are already scared of flying.

Prevention and treatment
As well as the advice above, the following can help to reduce the chance of travel sickness:

• Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before travelling.
• Keep still with eyes closed.
• Anti-sickness medicines - should be taken before travel so they have time to be absorbed by the body. You can buy them from pharmacies or get a prescription from your doctor.
• Ginger or peppermint remedies - ginger can be taken as a biscuit or tea while peppermint can be sucked as a sweet or taken as a tea.
• Acupressure - can be applied using a wristband or by pressing your finger against the middle of the inner wrist about three finger widths above the crease where the wrist joins the hand.

Source: BBC health

Travel insurance
If you are prepared to chance the motion sickness, don’t forget your insurance. Cover for a short break to anywhere in the world with 24/7 travel insurance costs from just £15.94* and frequent travellers might get better value from an annual multi-trip policy starting from £56.09* - so you can really enjoy seeing the world without worrying about unforeseen expenses!

*Premiums include Insurance Premium Tax, based on an individual aged 18-54 taking out “standard” policies for worldwide travel excluding personal possessions and purchased within 14 days of departure date. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (Sep 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: Motion Sickness

Now us brits like a good moan from time to time but going on your holiday should be a fun and exciting time. A chance to get out and see the world and all it’s beauty. But that’s not the case for these British holidaymakers, read the bizarre complaints made to their tour operator…

1) Upon arrival in Portugal, one British family told their holiday rep of their distress at the sunny weather and complained that they were too “hot and sweaty” in their holiday clothes!

2) One man told staff of his irritation at the number of holidaymakers who travelled with plain black suitcases, hindering his attempts to find his own plain black suitcase on the airport conveyor belt!

3) Another woman wrote in to complain that her plane journey was a disappointment because the sky was far too cloudy, impeding the view for her and her children and spoiling their game of eye-spy!

4) Following a trip to a local theme park, another woman wrote to the travel agent to complain that the Log Flume ride made her feet wet and the sun was so strong that her ice cream melted too quickly!

5) One couple criticised the excellent children’s entertainment at their resort – so good, in fact, that their children didn’t want to spend any time with their parents!

In response to these bizzare complaints, the tour operator Sunshine.co.uk released the statement: “As much as we would like to guarantee that any problem will be dealt accordingly to prevent it from happening again, the weather, the alcohol being too strong, ice cream being too cold or planes flying too high are unfortunately completely out of our control!”*

* Source - The Telegraph (Sep 09)

Holiday insurance
It’s easy to forget in all the excitement of booking your holiday, the importance of taking out holiday insurance - even if you have a valid European Health insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC will not cover you for any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property. So ensure you take out adequate holiday insurance for visits to all countries.

You can purchase great value holiday insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance. For a 3-day break in Europe, it will cost you just £5.32** - a small price to pay to really relax and enjoy your holiday all the more!

**Premium £5.32 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual aged under 55 taking out a Standard Single-trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 3 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 (September 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: Holiday complaints

P J Hayman & Company (the company behind 24/7 travel insurance) have launched their NEW specially designed travel insurance policy for people travelling abroad for medical procedures - FREE SPIRIT Travel for Treatment - providing wide-ranging cover and peace of mind protection.

Standard travel insurance schemes do not provide this cover. While there are some specific policies that will provide some protection for additional travel/accommodation costs they do not cover medical costs arising from complications. Without full cover there is a risk of incurring large medical bills and increased expenses.

FREE SPIRIT Travel for Treatment is their solution for this specialist market.

Benefits of FREE SPIRIT Travel for Treatment:

• Cosmetic Surgery, Dentistry and Elective procedures covered - click to view list
• Available to UK nationals resident in the EEA and the Channel Islands
• Cover for persons up to age 74
• Reduced premiums for accompanying persons
• Essential cover including Emergency Medical Expenses, Repatriation and Cancellation
• Specific cover for complications occurring after 48 hours and up to 31 days whilst abroad
• Option to ‘top up’ Cancellation cover (standard limit £1,000)
• Medical Emergency Helpline – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Dedicated UK based customer services team – 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday

Click here for further details

Obtaining a quotation could not be easier. Simply call FREE SPIRIT Travel for Treatment on 0845 260 1543 (8am-6pm, Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays).

If you have any questions about FREE SPIRIT Travel for Treatment and the cover provided, you can either view http://www.freespirittravelfortreatment.com/ or call 0845 260 1543 (8am - 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays).

Labels: Free Spirit Travel for Treatment

Every year around two million British motorists take to their cars for driving trips to neighbouring European Union (EU) countries.* Now experts are predicting a boom in driving abroad, as people take to driving in a bid to reduce their air travel carbon footprints and avoid the mounting problems associated with air travel. If this is you, check out the useful tips in our blog.

Get your car serviced
If your vehicle is within a few thousand miles of its next service, it may be worth bringing it forward. Having the car thoroughly checked over about a month before you go will ensure that all niggles are fixed (and new ones don’t have a chance to arise).

Mechanical problems can be very stressful to get sorted when abroad. Check that your breakdown cover and motor insurance extends to you driving abroad as recovery bills can be very steep!

You should also have a GB sticker clearly visible on the back of your car.

Hiring a vehicle
Hire from a reputable company as the cheapest deal may not always be the best! Remember, it is your responsibility to tell the Hirer you are taking the car abroad and also check the vehicle for any damage before you hire it.

Car insurance cover is often limited to the legal minimum of the country or state you hire in, you could be held personally responsible for any claim for injury or damage over this limit. Ask your tour operator or insurer if they can provide top-up insurance to increase your cover. This may be cheaper than buying it abroad.

Documents
Wherever you are going, take the following documents with you:
· Driving licence, and the paper counterpart if you have a photo licence
· The original Vehicle Registration Document (V5)
· Your Motor Insurance Certificate
· Your Passport
· Any Visa documentation you need for the country you are visiting
· Your travel insurance documents and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
· Your Breakdown insurance details

Don’t leave any sensitive personal data or valuables including cash, credit cards or documentation in the vehicle though!

Drive on the right side of the road!
Sadly, being on the wrong side of the road is one of the most common causes of accidents among Brits driving abroad and it is very easy to do. Be particularly careful when setting off from petrol stations, restaurants and driving around roundabouts.

Check the local laws
While every country in Europe has its own motoring laws, they vary widely even between neighbouring countries. So it is important to check the regulations for every country that you are planning to visit including speed limits, age limits for driving, and drink driving limits. A comprehensive guide to each country can be found on the AA’s website here.

Equipment
Motoring laws abroad also extend to safety items that must be carried. Most of these items are useful to the motorist anyway so are worth the investment. In much of Europe you must carry a warning triangle, a reflective jacket, a first-aid kit and a spare bulb kit.

Many countries also insist on headlamps being adjusted to ensure you don’t dazzle oncoming motorists. This is easier said than done however, particularly if your car is fitted with halogen headlamps. Best to consult your garage before your trip!

European tolls
In much of Europe, car tax is cheaper than in the UK. The shortfall is made up by motorway tolls where you pay to use particular roads. Although most tolls take credit cards these days, make sure you have plenty of cash (including coins) on you for these, just in case!

Know your route
If you have a Sat Nav make sure it works abroad for the country you’re visiting. Also take a good European road atlas just in case your Sat Nav fails to work or you are diverted from your planned route due to accident or roadworks.

Emergency services
112 is a European emergency call number you can dial in the European Union in case of accident, assault or in any other distress situation.

Travel Insurance
Even if you are only visiting the continent for a day, make sure you take out travel insurance as emergency medical expenses abroad can be very expensive. 24/7 travel insurance offers cover for 3 days in Europe for a family from just £10.64**.

* Source - RAC

** Premium £10.64 includes Insurance Premium Tax; based on two adults aged under 55 and their two accompanying children aged under 18 taking out a "Standard" Single Trip policy for 3 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 (Sep 09) and are subject to change.

Majority of content in this blog is sourced from the AA website.

Labels: driving abroad

Millions of people go abroad without travel insurance each year, some in the mistaken belief that they have free cover with their credit card. In this blog we’ll look into what level of insurance cover is actually offered…

Research by Post Office reveals that 46 per cent of people are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their holiday, and travel insurance is just one of the ways they're looking to cut back.* Some consumers may be tempted to rely on free travel insurance that comes with their credit cards. However, most holidaymakers do not fully understand what free credit card travel insurance actually covers them for.

Level of cover
Whilst some credit card providers offer comprehensive travel insurance to their cardholders, the majority provide a very different free travel insurance policy known as ‘travel accident insurance’.

Many holidaymakers are under the mistaken belief that the travel accident insurance will provide the same cover as a traditional travel insurance policy, yet this is not the case.

Brian Brown of Defaqto, the financial research company, says: “If you get sick, that’s not an accident, so you’re not covered, if the accident is caused by your bad heart, you’re not covered, if you fall over on the beach once you’ve reached your destination, you’re not covered. In all honesty the cover is usually so pathetic it isn’t worth thinking of.” **

More often than not, credit card travel accident insurance will not cover the traveller before they travel to or when they arrive at their destination - meaning they will be unable to claim compensation for cancellation, travel delay, missed departure and lost or stolen possessions.

Furthermore, such policies are likely to include only very limited personal accident insurance, which means travellers could be hit by costly medical expenses if they are involved in an accident and possibly, have even less cover if struck by illness whilst away.

What to look for in a travel insurance policy?
A comprehensive travel insurance policy should cover medical expenses up to £2m if you are travelling in Europe, much more if you plan to visit North America.

Repatriation cover, to pay the cost of getting you back to Britain if you fall ill, should be included, as should personal liability insurance. This pays out if you are liable if you unintentionally hurt someone or damage their property. Your policy should also include enough cancellation cover to match the cost of your holiday.

Travel insurance
Travellers should be fully aware of the terms of their credit card travel insurance policy, and should take out additional travel insurance if they are in any doubt about level of insurance cover.

Read the policy wording, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your holiday 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!


* Source – prweb.com Sep 09

** Source – travel-insurance.net Sep 09

† 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 (Sep 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: free travel insurance

Before you leave for your next trip abroad, take a moment to think about your money options. In this blog we will look at the selection of payment methods available to you and some handy money tips to keep you safe on your travels...

Tell your bank
Banks and credit-card providers monitor accounts for suspicious transactions. If they see overseas spending and don’t know that you’re abroad, you may find your cards are stopped to protect your account.

Foreign currency
Even if you plan to use travellers’ cheques or plastic while you’re abroad, it’s usually a good idea to get a small amount of foreign currency before you go for smaller things, such as taxis, food and tipping for service.

It’s usually cheaper to buy foreign currency before you go, but you’ll generally pay more if you buy it at the airport. You can buy currency from lots of places, such as banks, bureaux de change, online or the Post Office, so shop around for the best rate.

Travellers’ cheques
Travellers’ cheques work in a very similar way to cash when you’re abroad. You pay for them in advance and sign them twice, once when you buy them and once when you exchange them. If you use them to pay for something in a shop, your change will be given to you as cash, but check the shop will accept them first.

Remember to write down the Travellers’ cheques serial numbers and keep these somewhere safe. If they are lost or stolen you can report it to the provider who will arrange for replacements to be sent to you.

Credit vs Debit card
It’s usually better to use your debit card at cash machines, as you’ll usually be charged less than if you use a credit card. Find out what these charges are before you go and think about using your cards less often, as it will cost less.

Pre-paid money card
A prepaid card is another way to take your money on holiday. They can be loaded up with Euros, US dollars or Sterling and can be useful for budgeting because you can only spend the amount you put on the cards!

One of the main advantages is that they can be cancelled and replaced for a small fee if they are lost or stolen, which makes them safer than carrying cash. And as they’re not linked to your bank account, you will be protected against fraud.

While you’re away *

• Be aware of others when using an ATM. Always shield your PIN entry and never disclose your PIN code to anyone.
• Keep your cards close to you. Beware of pickpockets and never leave your bags unattended.
• Write down the numbers on your travellers’ cheques
• Write down your credit card numbers and expiry dates – leave a copy at home
• Check your credit card is valid in the country you’re visiting
• Note your credit card’s emergency cancellation phone number
• Take enough money to cover emergencies
• Familiarise yourself with the local currency as soon as you arrive
• Don’t carry more money than you need for the day/evening
• Keep a small amount of cash in your wallet and the rest in a secure money belt or inside pocket
• If you have several credit/debit cards, only take one out with you
• Leave your cash, cards and travellers’ cheques in a hotel safe – check it is secure

* Source – Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Don’t scrimp on travel insurance!
Travel insurance is a necessity for traveling abroad. Remember to carry your travel insurance 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 (September 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: money

Travel insurance is often an after thought when booking your holiday but it can prove to be a great help if things go wrong, especially if you're thousands of miles away from home when it does. Read on for some of our travel insurance tips…

1. Check the cover and small print before you buy
Many people assume one travel insurance policy is the same as the next but a lot of disputes arise because people think they're covered and discover too late that they're not. In particular:

• Excesses: don't just compare premiums check the cover limits and excesses. If the excess is £50 per item that means you have to pay the first £50 of any claim for each item you are claiming for.
• The level of medical protection is adequate, particularly in countries like the USA where medical costs can be higher.
• What you're not covered for such as pre-existing medical conditions.
• If you're covered for lost or stolen cash and for how much.
• If loss is covered as well as theft.

2. Disclose any existing medical conditions

Your travel insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurer based upon "utmost good faith". This requires you to disclose anything that may affect the acceptance or terms of a policy, any exclusions or its price.

Be completely open and honest about your medical history and the activities you're likely to be involved in, whether you think they're hazardous or not. A good rule of thumb is; if in doubt declare it anyway.

3. Take a copy of the policy documents

Most good policy documents will tell you the claim procedures to follow in the event of theft or loss, what you are covered for and most importantly who to call in an emergency.

4. Document any expensive items

Take photo's and keep receipts for expensive items such as jewellery or cameras you plan to take with you on holiday.

5. Report any thefts or losses quickly

If your possessions are lost or stolen, report it immediately to the local police. Get an accident report number or similar documentary proof that you've reported the loss and if you're on a package holiday, report the theft/loss to the hotel or travel rep.

If your bag is lost, stolen or damaged at the airport, report it immediately and get a receipt from the airline or baggage handler.

6. Get the right documents ready

The old E111 forms have now been replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which entitles the holder to free medical treatment within the EU but remember this will be limited to what is ‘free’ to nationals of that country and may not be as comprehensive as the NHS in the UK.

Before you leave check your policy document or contact the insurer to confirm what precise steps your insurance company requires you to take in a medical emergency. If you have to buy any treatments or medicines, again keep receipts and original prescriptions if possible.

7. If you need to claim

Submit all supporting documentation to the insurers (keeping copies for yourself) as evidence of your claims. You should send in any receipts, photographs and copies of any police or medical reports you have to support your claim.

Don’t forget to pack travel insurance!

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 (September 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: travel insurance

A new survey by Moneysupermarket has revealed that many UK holidaymakers are prepared to risk travelling without buying travel insurance.

With so many cheap online last minute holiday deals available at the click of a mouse, it appears that Brits are neglecting to protect themselves and their belongings against the most common holiday emergencies.

A staggering one in five of us go abroad without travel insurance, and half of those do so intentionally with the rest forgetting to arrange insurance cover. Men are worst with 12% deliberately travelling uninsured compared to nearly 9% of women. Alarmingly, 4% of those surveyed admitted that they never take out any travel insurance cover.*

Director of insurance at Moneysupermarket, Richard Mason, said: "With the prospect of spending a few days in the sun, it appears travel insurance is the last thing on the mind of some British holidaymakers. Whilst they might think nothing will happen to them while away, travel insurance is vital for claiming on cancellations, lost cash, public liability and providing emergency medical treatment. It gives you added peace of mind should anything go wrong."*

The research also showed that UK travellers in their twenties are most likely to travel intentionally uninsured. Of those that do invest in a travel insurance policy, the survey reveals that 52% of the respondents shop around and find their own policy using internet research whilst 14% buy the insurance policy offered by their travel agent,* which is often more expensive.

Unforeseen events can lead to health related emergencies no matter where in the world you are. Without adequate travel insurance, travellers are liable to cover all relevant medical and repatriation costs themselves.

Example repatriation costs: **
Air ambulance from the East coast of USA - £30-35,000
Scheduled flight from the Mediterranean - £3,000-£4,500
Scheduled flight from Australia - £8,500

Repatriation is expensive and at a time when the number one priority is to get home, you do not want to be stranded in a far flung destination wondering why you didn’t get the travel insurance cover before you left, so check out 24/7 travel insurance for an instant online quote!

Whilst a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), previously known as the E111, does provide access to reduced-cost medical treatment in Europe, it may not provide all the cover that may be required.

Great value travel insurance…
You can purchase great value travel insurance direct at 24/7 travel insurance. For a 3-day break in Europe, it will cost you just £5.32 † - a small price to pay to really relax and enjoy your holiday all the more!

* Source – UK Insurance Index (August 09)

** Source – Cultural Cube (July 09)

† Premium £5.32 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on an individual aged under 55 taking out a Standard Single-trip 24/7 travel insurance policy for 3 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 (September 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: travel insurance

Have you just received your A-level results and wondering what to do next? Maybe a gap year is on the cards to gain some valuable ‘life experience’ before heading off to uni or embarking on your career.

With over 800,000 18 to 24 year olds out of work or full-time education at the moment* ‘gappers’ are taking this opportunity to travel or gain work experience abroad by going on a gap year.

Gaining work experience in your chosen field, or learning a foreign language whilst on your gap year is time well spent according to the admissions team at the University of Warwick. Alison Rowan the university’s communications project manager says: “The only things that interest us in gap years are plans by students to work in areas related to their degree subject or to travel specifically to develop a foreign language.”**

A stint of charity work on a CV is certainly a plus for employers, especially if it’s related to your chosen route of employment. Karl Bygrave, a director of Lush Cosmetics says: “For us, it’s interesting if people have done charity work. We support a lot of different projects around the world, so those who have experienced the reality of charity work bring a view with them.”**

With overall pass rates in this year's A-levels rising to 97.5 per cent, competition for places at university will be harder than ever before.* Students can gain valuable work experience while on a gap year, giving them a better chance of finding employment when they return.

Useful links:
For advice on where to travel and how to plan your gap year, click on the links below:
http://www.gapadvice.org/
http://www.gogapyear.com/
www.realgap.co.uk/Gap-Year-Advice

Remember to pack your Backpacker Gap Year travel insurance!
For those going on a gap year, the cheapest option is most likely to be a Backpacker travel insurance policy which allows you to choose cover for longer durations, typically up to a maximum of 18 months. It is important that you remember to check that the Backpacker travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.

24/7 Backpacker travel insurance is ideal cover for a gap year and is available from only £21.62!† - great value for peace of mind whilst travelling!

* Source – http://www.yearoutgroup.org/ August 09

** Source – The Telegraph August 09

† Premium £21.62 includes Insurance Premium Tax based on 1 adult aged under 36 taking out a 24/7 travel insurance “Standard” (Worldwide excluding USA, Canada & Caribbean) Backpacker travel insurance policy for 2 months. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (September 2009) and are subject to change.

Labels: Gap Year Advice