Single trip insurance

If your travels include one or two trips per year, it is generally more cost effective for you to purchase single trip insurance as opposed to multi-trip insurance. Your travel agent will want to offer you insurance as an extra charge to your travel booking. Be wary as they often charge exorbitant rates. Shop around for the best rates based on your circumstances.

When traveling abroad for business or pleasure be sure to take a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and purchase additional cover with single trip insurance. Your EHIC will cover limited medical expenses in the European Union and other countries that have a reciprocal agreement with the United Kingdom. Due to the limited coverage, single trip insurance is a necessary component of your travel plans.

For What Amounts Should I get Cover?

Good question. When comparison shopping for single trip insurance you’ll discover medical cover up to 20 million pounds. I’m all for allowing for contingencies; however, requiring medical coverage in this amount is highly unlikely. Minimum recommended levels of cover for single trip insurance include:

•    Medical – 2 million pounds

•    Personal Liability – 1 million pounds

•    Baggage – 1,000 to 1,500 pounds

•    Cancellation – 3,000 pounds

These are minimum amounts. When you comparison shop, you’ll find medical cover at 5 – 10 million pounds and Personal Liability at 2 million pounds. Make sure you are comfortable with the amount of cover and that it provides you with “peace of mind”.

Be sure to provide full-disclosure to your insurer. If something does occur, you want to be sure that you are covered. Disclose the activities you will be participating in while away as they may not be covered in a general plan. Ensure that the company offers a 24 hour hotline for emergency claims.

Covering yourself with the at least the minimum amount of single trip insurance will allow you to enjoy your travels and keep you worry-free.