Categories
Travel Insurance

What you need to know about travel insurance this summer

After months upon months of lockdown restrictions keeping aspiring travellers from jetting off on holidays, it looks like a summer holiday may finally be more of a reality than a pipe-dream. The government is set to announce which countries are on their green list and which ones are no-go zones, allowing you to book your trip.

If you are thinking of booking a summer trip for yourself and your family, adding comprehensive travel insurance is now a necessity. So, what should you look for in an insurance policy if you intent to travel abroad this summer?

COVID-19 cancellation cover

Some insurers are currently offering full cover in the event of a COVID-19 related cancellation. This can include circumstances that require you to self-isolate because of testing positive for the virus or if the country you are due to visit changes its rules.

Most insurance policies now cover you if you test positive for coronavirus while you are away on your holiday, but you should always double-check the terms and conditions to be sure of exactly what they offer. Some policies will cover your medical bills while you are in a foreign country, while others will also repatriate you to the UK in the event that you catch COVID-19.

What else is important in a travel insurance policy?

Aside from COVID-19, there are still many other things that you may need to think about when you are booking your summer holiday. One of the most important points to consider is the level of protection in the case of an illness or injury while you are away. Of course, nobody wants to think about their holiday being spoiled in this way, but it is always better to be safe than sorry and it could save you a significant sum of money.

Additionally, ensure that you have adequate cover in the event of lost luggage or if your belongings are stolen. This will give you peace of mind and reassurance that, no matter what happens, you will not be left out of pocket.

To find the best deals on your policybazaar travel insurance, please visit Compare Insurance.

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Car Insurance

Which type of car insurance is best for you?

The world of car insurance brokers can be confusing for the uninitiated. With an array of choices, including comprehensive cover, third party, fire and theft and third party insurance, it may prove daunting when you come to select which is the best for you. When you also add black box policies and decisions about excesses into the mix, that can complicate it even more.

This helpful guide simplifies the process, allowing you to pick the perfect cover to suit your needs and car insurance cost.

Third party

This type is the minimum standard of cover required under the law. It covers injuries to others, including any passengers or damage to other people’s vehicles that you cause.

Third Party, Fire and Theft

Similar to Third Party insurance, this covers damage to your car in the event of a fire, theft and, with some policies, any damage caused if there is attempted theft of your car.

Comprehensive cover

Comprehensive cover includes all the benefits of Third Party, Fire and Theft, with the bonus of paying for claims if other people are injured, or their cars are damaged in an accident you are involved in. This type of insurance will cover medical expenses too. Additionally, it generally covers accidental damage to your vehicle and allows you to claim if the contents of your car get stolen.

What is “black box” cover?

Black box insurance works by installing telematics equipment into your car. This equipment monitors your driving behaviours. It will record data such as the safety and speed of your driving, how well you take corners, the times when you are on the road and the length of your journeys. Based on this information, the cost of your insurance is calculated. Safer drivers will save money.

All about the excess

The excess is the amount of money you pay out of your own pocket if you need to make a claim. Excess can be compulsory, in which case it is determined by the insurance company and will be a set amount that you will have to pay before the insurer pays for the rest of the claim. However, it can also be voluntary, and you can decide how much you want to pay in the event of a claim. Generally, the higher the voluntary excess, the lower your premiums will be.

To find the right car insurance policy for you, contact us at Compare Insurance.

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Categories
Health Insurance

3 reasons young adults should invest in health insurance

When you think about the best individual health insurance, it might seem like something only older generations have to worry about. After all, if you are young, fit and healthy, chances are good that you won’t ever need one of these policies. However, there are several reasons why you should consider taking out health insurance, no matter your age.

1. Tragedy can strike at any time

Although you may be in good shape now, the truth is you can never predict what is going to happen. Young people are not immune, and an unexpected illness could befall you at any time. Unfortunately, there are so many cases where perfectly healthy people are suddenly faced with an unforeseen affliction, or they may be involved in an accident that could simply never have been predicted. Getting health insurance can protect you from these unexpected costs and cover any out of the blue expenses.

2. You’ll enjoy other benefits

Most health insurance policies come with a wide range of benefits for the holder to enjoy. You could qualify for free annual health checks, store discounts, cinema tickets, rewards programmes, specialist treatments and more. When you factor in all of these savings, the policy pays for itself. Even if you think you will never need to claim, it is worth having the safety net and benefits that come with it.

3. The costs will be lower

The younger you are, the cheaper your insurance premiums will be. That means if you are young, fit and healthy, you’ll likely be offered a range of competitive quotes that may be more affordable than you first expected. Companies also usually offer different plans according to your needs, with lower-tier plans offering less expensive monthly fees. If you know you don’t need your policy to cover much, you can opt for a cheaper plan to suit you to get health insurance.

Health insurance may not be a priority for young people, but the benefits of holding a policy far outweigh the costs involved. Compare Insurance can help you find the best health insurance deals today; browse our website or contact us for more information.

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Categories
Health Insurance

Can you get health insurance with pre-existing conditions?

If you have pre-existing conditions, the thought of trying to find private medical insurance can be daunting. Whether you have a heart condition, diabetes or something else, it can be a worry whether an insurer will insure you. Even if you find the right company, you may be concerned that your conditions will push up the price of your premiums. So, what is the situation for people with pre-existing conditions that need to find the right health insurance?

Is health insurance available for people with pre-existing conditions?

The short answer is yes, you can get long term health insurance if you suffer from one or more pre-existing conditions. Many insurers will still cover you for new conditions, however, you may find that your insurance company places several restrictions on what they will and will not pay out for if you require treatment.

What are pre-existing conditions?

Pre-existing conditions include any medical-related problem that you have sought treatment for in the past. It incorporates any treatments that were provided by NHS services or by private clinics and can refer to medication, medical consultations and surgeries. The majority of insurers refer to pre-existing conditions as any medical issue for which you have had treatment within the past five years, although this time period can vary from one company to another.

Therefore, if you have suffered from an illness more than five years ago and have not sought treatment within the past five years, many insurance companies may not classify it as a pre-existing condition. Common pre-existing conditions include hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, strokes and arthritis. If you have one of these or another pre-existing condition, an insurance company could still give you a policy but will probably not pay for treatment concerned with a chronic condition.

Does it cost more to get insurance with a pre-existing condition?

As many insurance companies exclude pre-existing and chronic conditions from the cover provided by their policy, it is unlikely that your conditions will increase the price of your policy. However, there are some policies that will include your pre-existing conditions in their cover when you pay higher premiums. If the cost of treatment for your pre-existing conditions is high, then paying a little extra for your premiums may be worth it.

Find the right insurer for your needs at Compare Insurance and find health insurance agents near me today.

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Categories
Travel Insurance

Three things that may be increasing the cost of your travel insurance

Despite the benefits of travel insurance, such as cover for medical emergencies, some people don’t invest in it due to its cost. Travelling without cover could end up costing you far more than the price of cruise insurance, should something go wrong. Regardless, here are three things that may be increasing the cost of your travel insurance and what you can do about it:

Unnecessary benefits

In general, the more benefits a travel insurance policy offers, the more it will cost. Factors such as the value of lost goods covered and the amount of cover for medical expenses will impact how expensive a policy is. Obviously, you should ensure the policy you take out offers you the cover you need. However, if you don’t need the highest level of cover, don’t pay extra for it. For example, if the policy offers to cover stolen goods up to a value far higher than the value of your belongings, you could save money by reducing the value the policy covers.

Paying per trip rather than annually

If you travel more than twice a year, you could probably save money by choosing an annual travel insurance plan. These plans cover you for an entire year, regardless of how many trips you take during that time. As well as being more cost-effective, annual plans are a good option for people who frequently travel on short notice and so don’t have much time to organise insurance before leaving.

Pre-existing medical conditions

As travel insurance is partially intended to help you pay for medical emergencies while away, factors such as pre-existing medical conditions can increase the cost of your policy. This is because some medical conditions make it more likely that you will become unwell and need to make a claim. However, this does not mean it is impossible to get travel insurance if you have a pre-existing condition. Using a comparison website, such as ours, is a quick and easy way to see the options available to you.

To check how much you could save on your flight insurance, use our website to compare the policies available and find the best option for you.

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Categories
Car Insurance

Factors that may be affecting the cost of your car insurance

1 day car insurance can be a costly expenditure, and there are many factors that influence just how much of a drain it puts on your bank balance. It is an essential outlay, but when you are aware of what is driving up the cost, it makes it easier to try and change those factors.

Here are three major factors that could be driving up the cost of your new driver car insurance:

It’s a postcode lottery

It might seem unfair that your driving safety standards are measured against the parameters of other drivers in your neighbourhood, but this is a common factor that insurance companies use to set your premiums. The logic behind this is that if you live in a neighbourhood where there are fewer accidents and less vandalism, the chances that you will need to make a claim are smaller. The lower risk results in lower payments and vice versa.

Your car defines the terms

Insurance is calculated in a variety of ways, but the age and model of your car are both decisive factors in generating the price of your car insurance. More powerful cars tend to elicit higher quotes for car insurance premiums. Certain models are also automatically designated to a higher band of insurance. Companies will tend to look at any modifications made to the car as well when they calculate your costs. Features such as a dashcam, tinted windows and Autonomous Emergency Braking can impact positively or negatively on your overall insurance charges.

Your driving prowess

It might have been a moment of madness, but speeding past a camera or mobile unit can impact the cost of your car insurance premiums for years to come. Although the points only remain on your licence for three years, insurance companies tend to ask for details of any penalties that have occurred in the last five years. The more points that are on your licence, the higher the cost of your car insurance is likely to be.

Luckily, insurance companies also take other features of your driving into account, such as your annual mileage and whether or not you have built up any time period without making a car insurance claim. The longer you keep a no-claims bonus going, the bigger the reduction you are likely to see in your insurance payments.

For a swift and transparent insight into the best insurance deals, visit Compare Insurance.

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Categories
Car Insurance

Three ways to get the best car insurance deals

Buying car insurance for new drivers can be daunting at times, as there is so much to take into consideration. But really, it’s all about understanding what you’re paying for. Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, here are three of the best ways to get the best car insurance deals:

1. Secure your car to secure your insurance price

One of the best ways to get the liability car insurance deals is to show the underwriters not just how safely you drive, but how safe and secure your car is. Make sure your car has a professionally fitted alarm and/or immobiliser and by parking in a safe spot, such as in a driveway or garage. Doing this will lower your risk, giving you much cheaper insurance.

2. Don’t pay more for add-ons

When buying car insurance, you’ll notice providers will try to sell you add-ons. However, sometimes the best insurance deals may require you to skip these add-ons because they’ll just add extra costs without any benefits. Think about if you need a courtesy car or legal cover. Breakdown cover can even be included on some bank accounts. You should also think about travel insurance which can cover excesses on rental cars while travelling.

No Claims Protection is actually a good add-on to have. It will keep your premiums low, even if there is an accident on the road, which is good in the long term.

3 Comprehensive over third-party

Many insurance providers have found that, statistically, those who take out third-party car insurance are more likely to make a claim. This means that they’ll drive up the price of third-party insurance even though it offers less cover than comprehensive. Those who choose comprehensive insurance are considered more responsible, and so the premiums can be much lower. This can be an excellent choice as you, your car and the third party will be covered, and you won’t be overpaying for the privilege.

Generally, you should compare providers to secure the best deal. Our dedicated team of specialists are here to help, so contact us today and we’ll help find you the best car insurance deal.

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Categories
Health Insurance

What are star ratings and what do they mean for your medical insurance?

Many insurance products are independently rated, but what really is the difference between a four-star and a five-star policy?

For private medical and personal health insurance, ratings range from one to five. They aim to make it easier for customers to choose a product based on the features offered and not just the price.

What are insurance star ratings?

The star rating is not a reflection of customer satisfaction or necessarily a perception of the insurance product’s quality.

The star rating is based on the key features and benefits of the product. Star ratings also take into account any optional add-ons and extras offered with each policy.

A one-star rated product will be more basic than that with five stars.

Who provides star ratings of insurance products?

There are several independent insurance rating companies around the world. One of the most common is Defaqto.

Defaqto is an independent research company focussing on financial products.

They have worked with The Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries to determine each health and medical insurance category.

What does each star rating mean for medical insurance?

A lower star rating does not necessarily mean that an insurance product is inferior to one with a higher star rating.

Each person will have different requirements from a medical insurance policy. It may be that a lower star rating suits your needs just fine. With insurance, you need to ensure you have just the right cover level for your own circumstances. More features than you need, and you will simply pay too much. Few features than you need, and you be at risk if something goes wrong determines health insurance cost.

However, you should remember that medical insurance is a complex product. You will benefit from seeking expert advice before choosing a healthcare insurance policy.

Defaqto assesses some 30 to 100 factors to determine a star rating, depending on the particular product.

There are several core criteria that a health insurance product must feature to receive a five-star rating. The core criteria include cancer care, inpatient and outpatient services.

Star ratings make it easy to compare products at a glance. However, if you need advice or are unsure of the features of any medical insurance policy, contact our friendly experts today

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Categories
Car Insurance

4 key things you need to know about car insurance

When it comes to cheap car insurance companies, there are any number of myths and misconceptions that you’ve likely heard, and so it can be difficult to know what is fact and what is a fallacy.

So, with that in mind, here are 4 things you need to know about car insurance to ensure you are able to get the best deal possible.

1. There are a number of factors that will determine insurance prices

As well as judging the quality of your vehicle, its age, how often you use it and your driving history, there are a number of other factors that will determine how much you pay. These include things such as your age and marital status, the area in which you live, your credit history, and potentially even your gender (although this is not always the case).

2. There are options available if you want to pay less

When it comes to car insurance, you always have the option to pay a little less, although this will often come at the expense of what is covered. However, some companies have schemes in place that will offer discounts to careful drivers, or for those that travel infrequently, so seek these out before making a decision on your insurance.

3. If you drive your personal car for business, you need to purchase the right insurance

It is absolutely worth highlighting that nearly all policies will actively exclude the option to drive a personal car for a business purpose (pizza delivery or messenger service, for example). In fact, some companies will even cancel a policy should it be discovered that a driver is doing this. If you are doing this then there are insurance options available, but you need to be open and honest upfront.

4. Insurance is for the car, not the driver (in most cases)

The general rule of thumb is that insurance is for the vehicle, not for the driver of the vehicle. Therefore, if a friend or family member drives your car and has an accident, generally you will be able to claim on the insurance. However, it is well worth checking this, because rules change from company to company.

To find the best commercial car insurance deal for you, get in touch with us today and we’ll help you compare the offers available.

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Categories
Health Insurance

Top 3 factors which affect the cost of health insurance

There are various types of insurance you can take out in the UAE to stay safe from what life throws at you. One of the most important is health insurance. This type of short term medical insurance covers you against illness and helps pay for any treatment you might need. There are lots of companies around the UAE that offer health insurance and most will quote a different price for your monthly premium. This is because there are various critical factors that affect how much your cover will cost.

But what are the top 3 to know about?

Level of cover

For any type of health or medical insurance, the level of cover you require is vital. This is because the more cover you wish to be insured for, the greater the costs any insurance company could face if you fall ill. More comprehensive cover for example might see the insurance company pay for hospital treatment plus outpatient care or physiotherapy. It is only common sense therefore that this sort of policy costs more to take out than more basic packages.

Age

Although this might not sound fair, to begin with, you will usually pay more for your health insurance as you grow older. This does make perfect sense when you consider it more though. The simple truth is people tend to need more medical care as they age. This means that the insurance company will normally incur more costs from an older person, compared to a younger one. These increased costs are then reflected in the amount older people have to pay for cover.

Location and smoker status

As well as age, a few other personal details usually come into play. Your smoker status is certainly one and will have an impact on how much any policy costs. This is purely down to the health risks smoking brings and the chances of smokers needing more medical care than non-smokers.

Although you might not think it, where you live is also key. If you live somewhere with clinics/hospitals close by for treatment, the financial cost of getting you there is lower. This naturally sees your premium come down compared to someone who lives far away from the closest hospital.

Get the best UAE health insurance quotes with Compare Insurance

Of course, the other major factor which influences health insurance costs in the UAE is who you take it out with. All medical health insurance companies will have different deals and this makes finding the best value one crucial. Rather than spending hours trawling the internet to do this, let Compare Insurance help instead. We bring together the best UAE health insurance quotes in one handy place. Browse our website or contact us today for more details.

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