Paul's & Janita's Travel Site

"As I approached the intersection, a stop sign suddenly appeared in a place where no stop sign had ever appeared before. I was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident." Statement from an Insurance Claim Form.

1. Don’t leave home without it!

It is truly one of the real ‘no-brainers’ of travel. Any number of horror stories spring to mind that would convince anybody who doubted the need for travel insurance to run screaming to an insurance broker. But no horror stories here just a simple statement. Don’t leave home without it.

2. Don’t leave home without it

(See 1. above)

3. Shop around

Insurance is a very competitive game. Commissions to travel agents are fairly generous and under pressure to sell a tour or a flight, agents will generally discount insurance prices. Most companies provide on-line quotations. Companies that you have existing policies with will generally provide good deals.

4. Read policy documents carefully before you buy

When a disaster strikes is not the time to reach for the policy exclusions. As an example some policies exclude accidents in a motor vehicle from public liability cover. This is fine if you know and take an additional policy to cover the situation, but after the event is too late.

5. Use specialist providers

Young travellers and seniors may be quoted higher premiums by mainstream insurers. Several companies specialise in these markets and will provide cover even for the over 70s or the adventurous hang-gliding set.

6. Use credit card cover

Gold and Platinum Credit Cards usually provide basic overseas travel insurance cover. Read the policy carefully before deciding to travel with only this insurance. Don’t rely on this cover in the USA or Canada. Note that you must pay for your return flights with the card for the cover to be valid. For vehicle coverage, the hire cost must also be paid on your card.

7. Don’t take CDW options for car hire

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for hire cars, covers the hirer for a pre-determined excess should they have an accident. In most countries hire vehicles come with third party insurance that covers damage to people and other vehicles, and some insurance to cover damage to the hire vehicle itself. The hirer is usually liable for an excess payment (up to $5000). CDW covers this excess. The cover can be expensive. If you have travel insurance, or pay with a credit card that has insurance cover, this excess is probably covered. However, in the USA the insurance issue is even more complex. In many cases vehicles have next to no insurance. This varies from state to state, but extra insurance is usual necessary. The costs can easily double the base hire rate. To avoid this, take cover with a specialist hire vehicle insurer.  

8. Suspend private medical insurance while travelling (Australia only)

If you have private medical cover, your insurer may allow you to suspend coverage while you are overseas. Australian domestic private medical coverage is not valid overseas so you are paying for zero cover while you are away. Australia has reciprocal health care arrangements with a number of other countries notably the UK and New Zealand.

9. Full year cover

Some companies offer full year multi-trip coverage for the frequent traveller. If you are planning a number of overseas trips over the course of a year, consider this cover. There are substantial savings to be made.

10. Take a copy of your policy with you

Your policy document and claim and overseas service numbers may be needed to gather documentation for a claim. Some incidents require police reports others will need receipts and possibly statements from involved parties. You may also be required to provide evidence of insurance coverage if you require medical care or hospitalisation.

NATIONAL SENIORS INSURANCE