Do you need travel insurance?

I never travel without insurance and I’ve used it more than once. So many people go on holiday or long-term travelling without ever using their insurance BUT if things go wrong, you’ll be so thankful you have it.

I’ve had my mobile phone stolen in Italy and had to call out a doctor in Africa. Once I had to re-book a flight because of a family bereavement. There are a great many different ways travel insurance can come into to play. If you are taken seriously ill, you may need to be flown home and the bill can easily run into tens of thousands of pounds. When a friend of mine passed away abroad without insurance, his family couldn’t afford to have his body repatriated. It was heartbreaking.

So, yes, you need insurance!

Which insurance to choose?

There’s a huge range of insurance companies and products to choose from and what’s best for you depends on your age, where you are going, how long for and what you are planning to do. Do check which activities are covered as it varies from policy to policy.

Before buying insurance it’s worth checking that you aren’t already covered as some banks include travel insurance with your current account which may even cover your whole family.

Be warned though, worldwide cover isn’t always worldwide. I know! It’s ridiculous. But I once visited the Caribbean, thinking my worldwide insurance had me covered. It turned out their definition of worldwide didn’t include the Caribbean. Totally nuts!

Having looked into it though, I’ve found that it’s common for insurance companies to offer cover for travel in either Europe, Worldwide (excluding USA, Canada and Caribbean) and Worldwide (including USA, Canada and Caribbean).

So which international travel insurance company should you consider?

Based on numerous reviews and articles I’ve read about travel insurance I would suggest you check out the following companies. Please note that some of the following links are affiliate links and some are not.

World Nomads Insurance for the adventurous and the long-term traveller

The AA Travel Insurance Gold and Silver Policies for UK residents

Saga Travel Insurance for UK residents over 50 

AXA Travel Insurance Gold Policy 

World Nomads are backed by specialist insurers and global assistance partners.

You can buy online, even if you’ve already left home.

You can buy additional cover and claim online while travelling.

They cover a range of adventure sports and activities.

International travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from over 130 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities from air guitar to spelunking! Many of the sports and activities that are covered as standard are not commonly included in other insurance policies. You can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home.

1. 1. Trusted reliable underwriters
      WorldNomads.com is backed by a suite of strong, secure, specialist travel insurers who provide you with great cover, 24 hour emergency assistance and the highest levels of support and claims management when you need it most.
   2. Value for money with the cover you need
      WorldNomads.com provides cover for what’s important for travellers from over 130 countries. By focusing on what you need and leaving out what you don’t, World Nomads prices are some of the most competitive online.
   3. Flexibility when you need it most
      Had a change of plans? You can buy more cover or claim online while you are still away. You can even buy a World Nomads policy if you’re already travelling.
   4. Cover for a range of adventure activities
      From skiing & snowboarding in New Zealand to whitewater rafting in Colorado, WorldNomads.com covers a range of adventure activities, giving you peace of mind to get the most from your travels.
   5. World Nomads keeps you travelling safely
      All WorldNomads.com members have access to up-to-date travel safety alerts, as well as travel safety advice and tips online through the World Nomads Travel Safety Hub.
   6. More than just great value travel insurance
      All WorldNomads.com members can learn the local lingo through a series of iPod & iPhone Language Guides and can stay in touch with family and friends with an online travel journal.
   7. Commitment to exceptional customer service
      We want to make sure you get the most from WorldNomads.com. You can find out more about why travel insurance is important for your trip. If you have any questions about your travel insurance or travel safety in general, please contact WorldNomads.com directly.