Additional travel insurance cover options
Most travel insurance providers will allow you to add extra cover to standard policies so that you are adequately insured. Options include:
Typically this includes cover for participation in recreational winter sports, for example skiing and snowboarding. Most policies also cover loss, damage and theft of equipment, plus piste closure and piste rescue. You will be required to undertake the activities safely and to avoid exposing yourself to unnecessary hazard.
- Adventurous or hazardous pursuits
Standard policies will not normally cover you for activities that are considered ‘adventurous’ or ‘hazardous’, such as horse riding, jet skiing, diving, bungee jumping or white water rafting. If you do plan to participate in such activities then adding cover for adventurous or hazardous pursuits will ensure you are adequately insured. You should always check the policy terms and conditions, or speak to your insurer, to clarify exactly which activities are covered.
With golfing holidays growing in popularity, many travel insurance providers now offer cover for loss, theft and damage to golf clubs and equipment. Policies may also include cover for the hire of equipment should yours be delayed, non-refundable green–fees if your trip is cancelled or cut short and personal liability cover when using a golf buggy.
If you are getting married abroad then you may wish to add on cover for your wedding rings, gifts and outfits etc.
Provides cover for equipment and other business assets.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and travel insurance
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be used to cover any necessary medical treatment resulting from accident or illness while you are travelling within the European Economic Area (EEA). The EHIC entitles the holder to state–provided medical treatment within the country they are visiting, although it is not a substitute for travel insurance because it does not include cover for repatriation to the UK, the use of a private ambulance or medical facility and other incidentals. As cover is limited to medical treatment only, you will still need a travel insurance policy to protect you against other losses, such as lost or delayed baggage or cancellation and curtailment of your trip.
Some travel insurance providers may stipulate in their policy terms and conditions that you must carry the EHIC when travelling in Europe, as this will allow them to reclaim some of their costs. It will also cover you for pre-existing medical conditions that may be excluded by your insurer.
Find out more about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)†
Foreign Office recommendations
If you are planning taking a holiday or business trip, the Foreign Office recommends that you choose a travel insurance policy that provides:
- Emergency medical expenses
- 24 hour emergency service and assistance
- Personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property
- Lost and stolen possessions cover
- Cancellation and curtailment cover
- Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as jet skiing.
Visit the Foreign Office† to find out more
In the next part of our guide we look at Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance, travel insurance for the over 65s and pre-existing medical conditions.
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