5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Travel Insurance Policy

What’s worse than being in an accident while on holiday? Being let down by your travel insurance. To make the most of your travel insurance and avoid nasty surprises, check out these tips below.

1. Get Adequate Travel Insurance, Always!
   When it comes to travel insurance, many people have a tendency to select the cheapest policy. Don’t do that. Instead, discuss it with your broker to ensure that your policy covers all types of popular holiday activities such as skiing or scuba diving. Keep in mind that the policy may not cover particularly risky activities such as rock climbing or skydiving. You should be aware of such details before you buy the policy so there are no unpleasant, and expensive, surprises later.
   
   
2. Consider Your Health Conditions
   The cost of your travel insurance will be determined by your age, type of coverage, trip cost & duration, and depending on your age and policy – your health. Make sure you answer all questions about your health as accurately as possible. Remember that unlike other insurance types, the information you provide for travel insurance will only be verified if and when there is a claim. So you won’t know if your information is accurate until it’s too late. So check up with your physician to make sure you provide correct information about your health. After all, the medical records maintained by your doctor will be used to verify the information you provided in case there’s a claim. 
   
   
3. Read the Policy Carefully – Even the Small Print
   Avoid the temptation to just skim the policy. You should read your travel insurance policy just as carefully as you would a normal health insurance policy. You may be excited to start your holiday and reading insurance papers doesn’t sound exciting at all. Nonetheless, read it thoroughly to make sure you get your money’s worth in case you need to make a claim. Reading the policy will make you aware of any exclusions in the coverage. Sometimes people don’t realize, until its too late, that their policy doesn’t cover certain activities, geographical areas or some pre-existing medical conditions.
   
   You should ask questions if there is any confusion, whether you don’t understand the wording anywhere in the document or don’t follow the insurer’s logic in some of the terms. You have the right to scrutinize and ask questions before signing the policy.
   
   
4. Carry the Policy Documents With You
   In addition to keeping the policy card in your wallet, its best to pack the entire booklet in your stuff before you go away. This way you will know exactly what you can do with your travel insurance. For instance, if you crack a tooth while you’re away, you can check the policy to see if it will cover your dentist’s visit.
   
   
5. Call the Claims Department As Soon As Possible
   If you have to choose between calling 911 or your insurer’s claims department, always take the first option. However, if the situation is not life-threatening, you should call the insurer for the claim as soon as possible. The claims agent will find you the nearest clinic or hospital for immediate treatment. Your insurer will also use their resources to simplify the payments so you probably won’t have to make any out-of-pocket payments. Moreover, by calling right away you will be giving the claims department time to review your claim and approve the treatment so there aren’t any surprises when you’re at hospital.

In addition to doing all of the above, don’t forget to have fun while you’re travelling!