Category: Travel Insurance

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What do you need to know before using an insurance comparison website?

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It doesn’t matter what kind of insurance package you’re looking for, whether it’s medical and health insurance, travel insurance, or car insurance – one of the best ways to find a great deal is by using an insurance comparison website.

There are two vital pieces of information you need to know, however, before you get started.

1. What kind of cover do you want?

This is an important question that it’s essential to answer before you begin searching for policies. Insurance policies are now so broad in their spectrum, with insurers offering bespoke levels of cover for every individual client. This means it can be difficult to simply find a “one size fits all” policy. Ultimately this benefits you, however, as it means you’re only ever going to be paying for the insurance cover that you actually need, and you won’t have aspects to your policy you’ll never use.

To get the benefit of this, you need to know exactly what sort of cover you require. If you’re searching for business car insurance, for example, you need to have a rough idea of how many miles you think you’ll drive, the amount of excess you’re willing to pay, and any additions to the policy you’ll want to add, such as breakdown cover or contents insurance.

2. How much can you afford to pay?

The other vital piece of information you need is what your budget looks like. Comparison websites work by giving you a broad range of quotes to choose from, so you will see both the cheaper and more expensive end of the insurance spectrum. You shouldn’t always just choose the cheapest cover, however, as this can be a false economy. That means it’s important you have a good idea of exactly what you can comfortably afford to spend, in order to make sure you’re able to find the best deal for your circumstances and obtain the best private health insurance.

It’s always best to choose a policy you’re confident you can consistently afford, rather than one that’s too cheap to provide you appropriate cover, or too expensive to mean you’re not always going to be able to pay your premiums.

With this important information settled, you can find your perfect insurance quote at Compare Insurance today.

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Car Insurance Travel Insurance

Driving in the desert: what you need to know

If you are driving in the UAE, and have an off-road vehicle, you may, at some point, want to drive in the desert. Here’s what you need to know if you are planning to drive in the desert.

Make sure that you are covered

A lot of general travel insurance doesn’t cover off-road insurance, although if your car is an off-road vehicle (and it should be if you’re considering driving in the desert!), you may find that it is an easy add-on.

However, some off-road cover has restrictions, considering the cars’ general capabilities and things like its age, the miles that it has travelled, etc. If the car has been previously damaged, it may not be applicable for automobile insurance.

Basically, have a thorough read of your car insurance policy, and if you don’t understand anything, contact your insurance provider and get them to go through it with you.

Make sure that your car is in good shape

Your car insurance provider may require a recent service in order to insure it. This is because they want to be sure that it won’t break down in the desert. Even if they don’t, it’s definitely a good idea to get your car serviced before heading out – you don’t want to break down either, do you?

Stock up on essentials

When driving in the desert, you’ll need to make sure that you have enough petrol, water and food to help you out of any emergencies. You may drive long stretches with no petrol stations, so make sure that you have plenty of fuel to keep going. If your car breaks down, you’ll be thankful for the food and water! Also, try to make sure that your phone has the best coverage possible, or opt for a satellite phone for emergencies.

Learn basic repairs

Being able to inflate and deflate your tires, check your water and oil levels, and perform other basic repairs could be a game-changer if you get stuck anywhere. Before heading out in the desert, make sure that you have an idea of how to sort out small things in your car.

Driving in the desert is great fun, but it’s not without its risks. Follow all of the advice above for a hassle-free trip!

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Travel Insurance

5 things you need to know about travel insurance

When you go on a trip, it is crucial to have travel insurance. It doesn’t matter how long you’re going on holiday for, you must have it.

You may be wondering why multi trip travel insurance is so important and how it can assist you on your travels, keep reading to find out more.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance protects you financially when you’re travelling on a holiday. It supports you with a variety of things depending on the kind of policy you choose.

If you choose a comprehensive policy, you are likely to be protected from lost items, health requirements and unforeseen circumstances such as a flight change.

If you decide against travel insurance, be prepared to have a lot of spare cash to spend if anything goes wrong.

The cost of travel insurance

The price of your travel insurance policy can vary depending on how long the trip is, the policy holder’s age and the type of coverage you are looking for.

You may look at some travel insurance plans and think that it is a lot of money, however, it could be worth it. If an issue arises while you’re travelling, whether it be a lost item or specific health requirements, it can cost you a lot of money without insurance.

It is worth paying the price of a travel insurance plan than ruining your trip due to huge unexpected bills.

Make sure to read the fine print

As COVID-19 has caused unexpected lockdowns and brought travel to a halt, you must check with your insurance provider to see whether they will protect you during the pandemic.

As many borders have been closed and flights have been cancelled, it is critical to read the small print of policies and, if in doubt, ask the provider.

Alongside guidance on the pandemic, make sure you read the general fine print of any policy. You may find that the specifics of the policy are not suited to your requirements and it is better to find that out before you sign up.

The best time to get travel insurance

You can technically book travel insurance on the day you intend to leave, however, it is recommended to choose a travel insurance policy at the time you are booking your holiday.

By booking both your holiday and insurance at the same time, you have the chance of getting your money back if you need to cancel your holiday due to unforeseen circumstances.

Again, remember to check the policy and what you are covered for before becoming completely dependent on it.

Declare any existing conditions

Finally, it is extremely important when booking travel insurance that you declare any medical conditions to the insurer. Even if your condition hasn’t affected you in years, you must declare it.

If you don’t declare your pre-existing health conditions, you are at risk of your policy being completely invalid.

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Car Insurance Health Insurance Travel Insurance

New Year checklist for your insurance

Ringing in the New Year is always a time of celebration. It’s synonymous with renewal and the chance to start afresh – something that everybody is keen to do following the year that 2020 has been.

However, there are some things you should make a priority. Making sure all of your insurances are up to date is an essential task that ensures you can live your life with the confidence you’re covered should something, unfortunately, go wrong.

Below is a brief list of the points to remember with various popular insurances that you likely have. Read on to find out more.

Health insurance

When it comes to private health insurance companies, you want to make sure a few different aspects are still correct. For one, be sure to update your provider of any newly diagnosed health conditions within the past year. Also, ensure you have all of the correct paperwork to hand so that you are prepared should any injury or health concern arise.

Medical insurance

Leading on from this, make sure your medical insurance is all in order. Less an issue in the UK thanks to the NHS (with the exception of private medical insurance), up-to-date medical insurance in other countries such as the UAE is essential, should citizens require urgent attention.

Car insurance

No matter how careful a driver you are, ensure your car insurance is current and that the policy you are paying for reflects your requirements. Just a few factors you may want to revise are the liability policy, the deductibles policy, and collision coverage. This last one is especially important as it helps to protect you in the instance of an accident.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance has never been more important as a UK citizen. With the UK’s official transition period ending on the 1st January, UK nationals will no longer be protected under the EU’s travel laws, which means it’s an incredibly wise idea to invest in travel insurance if you plan on going abroad next year – especially to places like the UAE, where visitors won’t be able to access free medical treatment especially visitors that want travel insurance for schengen visa.

Trust Compare Insurance today

If you require independent insurance comparison filtered to your unique needs, look no further than Compare Insurance.

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Travel Insurance

How to stay healthy while travelling

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If you’re travelling, especially if you’re far away from home, you might want to take some steps to protect your health. Of course, we can’t always control how or when we get sick, but there are some crucial tips to consider to ensure that you’re prepared in case you do fall ill.

Get the right vaccinations

Different countries around the world require a number of vaccinations. Before your trip, make sure you visit a travel vaccination clinic and get all the recommended jabs for your chosen destination. These may include vaccinations for hepatitis, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus and rabies, depending on where you are going.

Avoid some foods

The number one issue that travellers complain about is food poisoning. While mild, it can be very unpleasant. To avoid food poisoning, don’t eat food that has been standing out in the sun or hasn’t been cooked properly. In some places, you might also want to avoid salad and food that has been washed with tap water.

You can’t drink the tap water in many countries around the world, so unless you know for certain that it’s ok where you are, opt for bottled water instead.

Get enough rest

Travelling is very exciting, and you will naturally want to be doing as much as possible while you’re away. However, getting no rest is a recipe for disaster. If your body doesn’t have time to rest, your immune system will weaken, and you’ll be much more prone to picking up any bugs or viruses that are going around.

Get comprehensive travel insurance

There’s no failsafe way to ensure that you will stay healthy while travelling. Purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance plan is the only real way to ensure that if you do get sick, you’ll be able to get treatment as soon as possible. Many travel insurance plans include treatment at the best private hospitals, so you’ll have peace of mind that you’re receiving the best care possible.

Visit Compare Insurance today to find the buy travel insurance online for your trip.

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Travel Insurance

How to keep valuables safe when travelling

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If you’re venturing on holiday, whether that is abroad or within the UAE, you are going to want to find some ways to keep your valuables safe. If you are travelling with a smartphone, an expensive camera, or any other electronics, it is of paramount importance to keep these safe. Not just because of the monetary aspect, but to ensure you can still reach help if you need and to reduce having to claim on your international travel insurance.

Here are some ways to keep your valuables safe while travelling:

Use a money belt

For some smaller valuables, you can use a money belt to keep your valuables close to your person. Simply zip up cards, cash, your passport and even your phone in your money belt and keep it under your clothes. This deters thieves and means that they won’t slip out of your pocket. The only downside with money belts is that you usually can’t access them once they are on.

Lock your stuff away

Be sure to take a padlock with you, and lock everything away. If you are staying in a hostel, they should provide lockers, or if you are in your hotel room you could lock things in your suitcase. Similarly, if you are carrying around valuables, a discreet lock can stop pickpockets getting into your bag. Don’t make it look like you’ve got a lot to hide though!

Choose reputable hotels

Hotels with good reviews, lots of security, and modern locks are much less likely to have thefts than run-down hotels with easily breakable windows. Spend a little extra time doing hotel research to ensure that you find one that you feel comfortable in.

Invest in the right travel insurance

Having comprehensive travel insurance can be a game-changer. If you spend a little more money to cover your valuables, you will be much less anxious about them – and subsequently, you’ll enjoy your time abroad a lot more! It can cost extra to cover any additional items, so make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully before buying, but it is definitely a worthwhile investment in unforeseen circumstances.

If you stick to these tips for keeping your valuables safe when travelling, it’s much more likely that you’ll have a hassle-free trip!

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Travel Insurance

3 ways having travel insurance can save you money

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When planning a holiday, cheap travel insurance is one of the things people may consider leaving out. It is easy to consider it a cost you don’t need, but it can be seriously costly to assume you won’t need insurance. Here are just three important ways that having travel insurance can save you money.

1. Cover for medical care

Perhaps the most important reason is cover for medical care. Being ill on holiday can cause a real damper, made worse by not being able to afford the treatment you need. Illness and injury are things you cannot predict, and no matter how confident you are that it won’t happen to you, it easily could. Medical care costs vary in different countries, but one thing that’s true for them all is that it can be extremely costly. These costs could eat into your spending money, or even send you home in debt. You should also consider you may need to cut the holiday short and head home, depending on the severity of your condition.

2. Replacing lost items

Losing items happens all the time. Whether you leave a bag on a bus, a holdall in a hotel room or a camera in a cafe, you could end up losing valuable items. It could even be that an item is damaged or lost by your airline or travel provider. Whatever happens, these can be costly to replace, whereas travel insurance can save you by helping replace those items.

3. Rebooking cancelled trips

There are a number of reasons trips can be cancelled. For you, it might be illness or an unexpected occurrence. It could be that the holiday provider has gone under or that extreme weather conditions have made it impossible. Either way, you do not want to lose out on all the money you paid for the trip. Having travel insurance could help cover these costs, ensure you get your money back or fund a re-booking.

If you are planning a trip and need travel insurance just visit Compare Insurance today. We can help you find the best travel insurance deal, another way to save you money on your holiday.

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Travel Insurance

Should I get travel insurance?

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When you are travelling abroad, getting insurance is vital. Travel insurance online covers anything that could go wrong while you’re away. The exact inclusions depend on your policy, but they can accommodate lost luggage, health emergencies, and flight cancellations.

If you’ve been on plenty of holidays and nothing has gone wrong, you might be wondering ‘do I need travel insurance?’. The answer is yes – and we’ll explain why in this article.

If you travel a lot, you’ll need it at some point

Although travel insurance can be expensive, something is bound to happen on a trip at least once in your life. If you have travel insurance, getting everything sorted will be much less of a headache! And you might even make all the money that you spent on insurance back once you submit a claim.

Travel insurance is not the same as health insurance

Even if you have health insurance in the UAE, travel insurance is a necessity if you are going abroad. Your UAE health insurance will only cover you when you’re in the country, so when you are abroad, it’s important that you have a separate policy in the event of a health emergency.

Travel credit card protection should be questioned

Some credit cards do offer a level of protection, that’s true. However, this protection is limited. Some will only cover costs if you booked your trip with that card, and the coverage is generally very low. While credit card coverage is a good backup, it’s not something that you should rely on solely.

Travel insurance covers some things that you may not have even considered

Travel insurance covers many things that you may not have even thought about. If you need to cut your trip short, your travel insurance policy may be able to compensate you for the money that you’ve spent on returning home. If you’ve missed your flight, you might be able to get some money back for this as well.

And that’s without mentioning the medical emergencies it can cover. On rare occasions, people are airlifted and taken to other cities with better medical facilities. If you have insurance, you’ll be covered if this happens to you – if you don’t, you’ll be paying it back out of your own pocket!

All in all, it’s essential that you get travel insurance, even if you’re only going away for a few days.

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Travel Insurance

When do I need extreme sports travel insurance?

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Harnessing the thrill of extreme sports and matching it with the joy of travel is a great way to spend a holiday and having the right travel insurance means you can enjoy your high octane adventures without too many worries.

What is extreme sports travel insurance?

Each insurance provider will have their own set of definitions and it’s important to check your policy meets your needs. There will be some common ground, so we’ve put together a quick round-up of what extreme sports travel insurance might cover.

High adrenaline activities

These are the things that spring to mind when you think of extreme sports and might include

• bungee jumping
• rock climbing
• white water rafting
• hang gliding
• sky diving

Other less obvious activities might also be considered extreme by your travel insurance company

• tubing
• banana boat ride
• swimming with dolphins
• horse riding

What may seem every day to you could be considered high risk by your insurer, so if you think you may do these kinds of activity it’s important to check you’re covered.

Other sports have dedicated policies, things like golf, water sports and winter sports need cover that allows for damage to essential kit, as well as increased risk of personal injury.

What sort of thing are covered by extreme sports travel insurance?

Again, this will vary according to your provider, but you’ll generally find the following inclusions

• Medical expenses – costs of treatment, hospital stays and ambulance fees
• Repatriation – to get you home in the case of medical necessity, or if you’ve missed your flight because of your treatment
• Personal injury – if you are left permanently disabled a lump sum may be payable
• Personal liability – to cover compensation costs if you damage property by accident or injure somebody by accident

I’m the spontaneous type – what should I do if I decide to do something extreme while I’m away?

If you’re not sure what activities you’ll be doing it’s a good idea to have your full policy document with you so you can check what is or isn’t included. If your chosen adrenaline fix isn’t on the list, a quick call to your insurer should get you covered, so you can amend your travel insurance and enjoy your thrills with complete peace of mind.

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Travel Insurance

A simple guide to travel insurance policies

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The variation in travel medical insurance can be as complex as deciding where to go on holiday. Be incredibly wary of policies that appear surprisingly cheap and make sure you fully understand what you are paying for! A cheap policy generally means poor levels of cover and high excesses. There are good deals out there, they just require a little more time and diligence to find. The following guide aims to make this a little easier for you.

Are you an avid traveller?

If so, it doesn’t make logical sense to take out a new policy every time you make a trip abroad, so look into multi-trip policies. These will cover all the trips you may make in a calendar year. If you tend to holiday more than the average person/family, it would be foolish to look past the various multi-trip options. Bear in mind, however, that these policies often include limits regarding the length of each trip.

Read the exclusions!

If you’re not a fan of reading more than you have to and normally skip the small print, you may want to revise this. Travel insurance policies all include a list of sporting activities or pursuits that are automatically covered, but lookout for the one’s that aren’t! This isn’t necessarily ad-hoc and is a common staple of many travel policies. However, some have exclusions for relatively ordinary activities such as hiking. This is where you could get caught out, so read the policy properly.

Protection against airlines and operators

Providing coverage in case an airline or holiday operator ceases to trade is not something that many people think about, but that doesn’t stop it happening and leaving travellers out of pocket. This is often not included in your average travel policy, so again, make sure you analyse your potential policies correctly.

There are many more methods for making sure you take out the most appropriate policy, so do your research, tailor your coverage, and make sure you don’t get caught out if something goes wrong!

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