Tag: covid-19

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Travel Insurance

4 travel insurance mistakes that could cost you a lot of money

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If you’re planning a trip abroad, travel insurance is essential. Unfortunately, there are several pitfalls you’ll need to avoid falling into if you want to avoid problems later on.

Here are some of the key mistakes to avoid:

Not checking the small print.

Like any form of insurance, the small print matters. Many people pick out their travel insurance based on the big claims in the advertising campaigns… or worse, they go purely by price and just assume they are covered for everything!

Make sure you take the time and effort to check what is (or isn’t) covered by your plan. And, of course, if you have a pre-existing condition that you need cover for, make sure that it’s specified within the cover.

Make sure you’re covered in the event of Covid-19

In 2021, this is unavoidable. Will you be covered if a new Covid-19 breakout were to affect your holiday? Most people know to check this in terms of the holiday itself, but you need to do the same checks for your insurance.

Even nearly two years after the start of the pandemic, policies still vary as to what they’ll cover in the event of a Covid-19 problem. Some will just cover testing, but not treatment, while others cover neither. Some cover both.

It’s also worth remembering that some policies will change their Covid-19 cover depending on where you’re travelling to, so take this into account.

Get the date from before you travel

A lot of people understandably date their insurance from the day they arrive at their destination. This makes sense. Unfortunately, it can leave you liable if anything happens on the journey itself.

The last thing you want is to catch sickness of some kind, or injure yourself while on the way to your destination, and find you still have to pay up because your insurance doesn’t kick in until you arrive!

Be thorough with your documentation

There are two common reasons people are unable to claim on their travel insurance:

• They do not fill in their initial applications accurately
• They do not keep a record of all documents provided

If you are not completely honest and accurate when you initially apply for cover, it’s unlikely your claim will be paid. Be meticulous.

Once you have your cover, be sure to make copies of every document your chosen provider gives you and take them on your trip. Then, if you do have a medical issue and are treated, keep a full record of every document given to you by the healthcare provider.

Different insurers will ask to see different documents from your trip for verification, so keep everything. Even documents you wouldn’t expect to be important, such as your travel itinerary, could be requested. Don’t throw anything away!

For more insurance tips and advice, contact our single trip medical travel insurance experts today.

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance tips for travelling in a pandemic

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The past few months have been difficult for the travel industry and travellers alike, but now that there are signs that the world is once again opening up to travel, you will need to keep up to date with the latest rules on annual travel insurance plans in a post-pandemic world.

Choose your destination carefully

When it comes to travel insurance there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the destination you choose and the itinerary you opt for will play a considerable role in shaping how much travel insurance you will need. The secret to lowering your travel insurance costs is to only take out cover for what you might need. Try to ignore those add-ons that will increase your premium but will be of no benefit to you whatsoever.

Your credit card provider may already cover you for some expenses

You may be surprised to find out that you have already signed up for some complimentary travel insurance coverage when signed up for a new credit card. Such things as travel interruption insurance or trip cancellation cover are two of the most common types of travel insurance perks that some credit card companies provide. Contact your credit card provider and ask what travel insurance perks are included with your account, and if you are covered for certain eventualities then these are things you don’t have to add to your travel insurance policy.

Don’t imagine your travel insurance policy will cover a pandemic

A large proportion of travel insurance policies rule out coverage of pandemics, with these seen as being a foreseeable event, which means you won’t be refunded for your outlays. However, there are still plenty of good travel insurance plans that will not exclude Covid-19 as a reason for your trip being cancelled.

Another way to circumvent the risk of a Covid-19 outbreak ruining your vacation is to opt for a policy that provides “cancel for any reason” coverage. This kind of plan will reimburse the non-refundable and prepaid portion of your vacation should you need to cancel for whatever reason. However, this type of policy usually needs to be brought within two to three weeks of your initial trip payment and is often more costly. Also, check the small print as your policy may require you to cancel no later than 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

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Health Insurance

What not to do when buying health insurance

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As the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us, there are always risks to our health just through being alive. That is why it is so important to give yourself and any dependents you have some protection by taking out an online health insurance policy. Deciding on the right policy is not to be rushed through and there are things you should try to avoid doing.

Ending up with inadequate cover

This is a very common error and usually happens if you focus too heavily on getting the cheapest premium. Ultimately, the point of a health insurance policy is to provide you with the best possible protection, based on factors such as your age, state of health and family status. Choosing the policy with the lowest premium will be a false economy if it turns out not to cover your medical costs when needed.

Not reading the small print

Every insurance policy comes with a range of terms and conditions in small print. You may feel that it is a chore to read through all of these when you just want to sign and get on with your life, but failing to do so can be disastrous. This small print generally contains the exclusions that will tell you the circumstances in which the insurance company will refuse to pay. You want to find these out before you sign up, rather than when it is too late.

Covering up past medical history

People do this because they are worried that previous illnesses will prevent them from getting health insurance. It is a waste of time though, because if you are not truthful when signing your policy this will emerge when you have to make a claim and no insurer will pay out in that situation. Be honest and look for a company and policy that is prepared to offer you insurance based on the facts.

Not shopping around

Even when you have health insurance, you should keep checking online comparison sites to see if there are other providers offering the same coverage at a better price. It is worth the inconvenience of changing insurance companies if it stands to save you money.

Search Compare Insurance today to find the top health insurance in UAE at the right price for you.

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Travel Insurance

What you need to know about travel insurance this summer

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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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Health Insurance Travel Insurance

What does Brexit mean for travel insurance and healthcare in Europe?

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The last 12 months have been dominated by COVID-19, and due to the global pandemic stopping people from being able to travel abroad, the ramifications associated with Brexit are yet to be experienced – or indeed acknowledged – by many people.

With the vaccine rollout going well, and with COVID-19 cases going down by the day, it seems likely that holidays will be on the agenda shortly, so what do you need to know? What impact has Brexit had and will it impact your ability to obtain health cover?

The GHIC

At the beginning of January 2021, the Government declared that all UK citizens would be able to apply for a scheme known as the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which was created and subsequently launched as part of the post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU.

Previously, UK citizens were able to access a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though this is now being phased out entirely. However, while the cards are somewhat similar, there are certain limitations that you should be aware of. While the EHIC made a point of not only covering the EU but also other European nations such as Norway, Switzerland and Iceland, the GHIC will not cover these non-EU countries (other than the UK).

To apply for a free GHIC card, simply follow this link to the NHS’s dedicated application page.

What the GHIC covers

The GHIC, just like the EHIC, has been designed to ensure those who are travelling abroad have access to care for one-off emergency medical issues, routine care for pregnant women, as well as treatment for any ongoing chronic illnesses.

Venturing further afield

The UK Government is currently in the process of finalising agreements with a host of other European countries that are not covered by the GHIC (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland). These will likely be finalised in the coming weeks, but for the time being, Norway has confirmed that UK passport holders will be able to get emergency health insurance simply by showing their passport. The other countries have not signed off on any such deal.

When it comes to heading outside of Europe, the UK already has agreements in place in principal with a host of countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia. With regard to the remainder of the countries in the world, talks are currently ongoing, and it is expected that some kind of deal will be in place by the summer of 2021.

Take a look at our insurance comparison website today to find a business travel insurance policy that suits your needs.

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Travel Insurance

Is it safe to travel abroad during the Covid-19 pandemic?

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We’ve been living with Covid for over a year now. Life as we know it has changed a lot, and many of us are wondering if we could sneak away for a holiday. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about travelling abroad during Covid-19.

Testing and quarantining is important

Most countries require you to take a test and quarantine before entering. This is really important – you need to make sure that you aren’t bringing any new strains of the virus into another country, or infecting people that you see on the way. If you do decide to travel, make sure that you take at least two tests and quarantine when you arrive.

Be aware of travel restrictions

Travel restrictions could change at any minute, and your travel insurance may not cover them. For example, travellers from the UAE must now quarantine for two weeks in UK hotels at their own cost. If you travel during the pandemic, you should be prepared to face random quarantines and extra costs which you may not get refunded for, especially flight cancellation insurance.

Know the risks of you catching Covid

Covid does disproportionately affect the old and people with underlying conditions. However, people who are young and fit have still become gravely ill due to this virus. If you can’t afford to pay for potential hospitalisation abroad, make sure that you find a travel insurance provider who has Covid cover (there aren’t many of them, but you can use our schengen insurance tool to look for them). If you aren’t insured and can’t afford to pay out of pocket, then you shouldn’t be thinking about travelling.

Plan your destination wisely

Some countries are in a bad situation due to the Covid pandemic, so tourism is the last thing on their mind, while other countries are concerned about the loss of tourism as an income source. If you must travel, choose a country that is dealing with the pandemic well, and that wants to welcome tourists back.

Use PPE

It goes without saying that, if you travel, you should wear a mask at all times in public places and keep your hands sanitised.

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Car Insurance

A key way to lower your car insurance quote during the Covid pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has hit every part of the world and cases continue to grow. 2021 is no doubt going to present similar challenges as 2020, which means for many people, their driving habits have considerably changed. For a large portion of workers, their commute now involves moving to a different room in their home, rather than to their office.

How can this save you money on your car insurance?

Thinking about your mileage

A key component of your car insurance quote is the mileage that you do. It stands to reason that the more miles you travel, the greater your risk of being involved in an accident, which in turn makes your quote higher.

But what if you’re not doing all those miles? For many people during periods of lockdown, the mileage they have covered has fallen dramatically, but they still continue to pay their insurance premiums. The fact is, however, that you can change your mileage estimate any time, and your insurance provider should be able to recalculate this for you.

The effect should take place from the beginning of the next month if you pay your insurance premiums in monthly instalments, or you may be entitled to a partial refund if you have paid your premium upfront.

Saving money with a new policy

If your car insurance policy is due to run out soon, you could also save additional money by choosing a different car insurance provider altogether. You stand to save considerably, as car insurance providers are keen to win new clients in these challenging times by offering attractive introductory offers. So if your car insurance is coming to an end in the next few months, don’t automatically renew it – instead, see if you could stand to make savings on a brand new policy.

Driving without insurance is dangerous and finding that new policy is easy. all you need is a specialist comparison website, like Compare Insurance. You simply add your details and in seconds you can get a number of quotes from a range of insurance providers. Remember to take into account your lower annual mileage – you can always raise it later if you start driving regularly again.

Categories
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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Health Insurance

What is health insurance and what does it cover?

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Health insurance is sometimes known as private medical insurance and will cover the costs of all the benefits of private healthcare. This includes diagnosis, treatment, and everything in between. This is normally covered by monthly payments. One of the major benefits is quick and easy access to medical treatment, without being added to the bottom of a long waiting list. However, some insurance companies offer low cost health insurance with benefits which people are not aware of. Here, we fill you in:

Cover for mental health conditions

Mental health is a big issue in modern society, but luckily, it is being talked about more and more. Health insurance companies take measures to help people improve their mental health and decide on the right people to talk to. You can be immediately referred to a therapist or consultant without having to sit on a waitlist, which can be months long. Some insurance companies also offer mental health services over the phone.

Access to breakthrough cancer drugs

All health insurance companies will support someone at each stage of their journey if diagnosed with cancer. This support is quicker and more personal. Some health insurance companies, however, will also provide access to any breakthrough treatments and cancer drugs before they are available for wider use. You might even have access to these treatments before they are officially approved, as long as there is sufficient evidence for their safe and effective use. Health insurance can also be crucial for catching cancer at the very first signs, as it allows you to get checked out immediately without wasting any valuable time.

Digital GPs

While some aspects of healthcare have been drastically affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, health insurance can allow you to speak to a GP from home, meaning you are never left without help. While other healthcare providers also offer this service, it is unlikely to be for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also book live video appointments for a more personalised experience.

If you’re interested in taking out health insurance cover, visit Compare insurance where you can efficiently compare quotes. For more information or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Categories
Travel Insurance

Can I buy travel insurance during COVID-19?

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These are uncertain times for travellers, and with travel being affected by the ongoing worldwide pandemic, many people are wondering if it’s still possible to buy travel insurance during COVID-19.

Some people still have to travel, be it for business or for essential reasons, while many more people will be eyeing up those summer holiday deals for when the lockdown loosens up and travel becomes acceptable again. In this article, we take a look at whether you can buy holiday insurance during the coronavirus crisis.

Can I buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance, trip insurance, and holiday insurance are all still for sale, even if you aren’t doing much travelling at the moment.

You can still buy insurance, but you need to check carefully what it covers. You will definitely be covered for all the usual elements, be it lost luggage or stolen passports, but COVID-19 has changed the way travel insurance deals with evacuations and with the medical side of things.

Am I covered for COVID-19?

Currently, most travel insurance providers will not cover you for COVID-19, especially if your policy has been taken out since the worldwide pandemic was declared.

For most then, this means that by travelling in the current climate, you probably won’t be covered if you contract coronavirus while you are abroad or on holiday. This might change in the future as insurance companies adapt to the new normal.

The future of travel insurance

The travel industry will undoubtedly be changed forever by COVID-19. There will be fewer flights, fewer routes, and different measures in place when you arrive and depart at the airport.

Just as the industry changes, so too will holiday insurance. Travel insurance providers will need to make sure that they can cover emergency evacuations in the case of future pandemics, otherwise, buyers might not want to purchase their insurance with them.

They will also need to be able to cover health insurance while abroad if a person contracts coronavirus. If there is a vaccine, travellers might need this to be covered by their insurance too.

Compare Insurance offers you the best deals for holiday insurance in the UAE. Offering the best travel insurance options on the market, you know that you’re getting your money’s worth every time you go abroad!

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