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Travel Insurance

The different types of travel insurance, explained

Shopping for overseas travel insurance can often seem like a minefield, with many people deciding they won’t purchase it – either because they don’t think it’s necessary, they’ve never had to use it before, or they think the process is too complicated. Nowadays, with insurance comparison sites and quick application processes, it’s easier and more affordable than ever. There are a few different types of travel insurance policies out there, so make sure you get the right one for you.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

If you’re heading to one destination for a set amount of time, then this is the type of cover you would get. Single trip travel insurance is the most basic of policies and can cover you for a variety of different events, up to a certain level of expense, depending on what you want to be covered.

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

If you travel on a regular basis, for business or leisure, then it makes the most sense to buy an annual multi-trip policy. It’s more cost-effective and less time consuming than having to buy single trip travel insurance every time you go away. It’ll cover multiple destinations over the course of the year and can either cover European, Worldwide or Worldwide, excluding the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

Winter Sports Travel Insurance

If you’re going on a skiing holiday or heading somewhere where you’re going to take part in a winter sports activity, then you’ll need winter sports travel insurance. These types of activities are considered riskier than those included in other policies, as there are unique situations you could find yourself in, such as avalanche delays, piste closures or serious injury.

Backpacker Travel Insurance

A backpacker policy covers you if you’re heading away for a longer period of time and jumping around between destinations. It’ll often cover you for a wider range of activities too, such as skiing and white-water rafting.

Family Travel Insurance

A family travel insurance policy covers up to two adults and eight children of the same family, provided the children are under 18 years old. This is a more cost-effective and easier option than buying separate policies, and you can purchase a single or annual trip cover.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Just like winter sports coverage, cruise travel insurance covers you for unique situations you can find yourself in with a cruise holiday. You’ll often be visiting multiple countries for an extended period of time and can experience things such as missed port departures and itinerary changes.

Over 65’s Travel Insurance

Those over the age of 65 are usually more likely to need urgent medical attention while they’re away, so the over 65’s travel insurance policy often covers extra expenses – occasionally allowing a companion to be added to the policy.

Whatever type of visa travel insurance policy you purchase, be sure to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when applying. This will often increase the price of your policy. However, it is a small price to pay for peace of mind and an appropriate level of cover.

To find the best travel insurance for your trip, head to Compare Insurance today.

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