The Importance of Travel Insurance…

Passport, Check… Beach Wear, Check… Sun Cream, Check… Euros, Check… Typically, these are the sort of things you ask yourself before setting off to the airport in preparation for two weeks of sand, sun and sangria! It is vital that every British citizen who is preparing to travel abroad recognises how public services operate at their chosen destination, particularly health services. Hospitals work differently from country to country, and, unlike in Britain, receiving treatment following an accident abroad or a holiday illness will often cost you money. Residents of foreign countries pay for health insurance whereas we pay national insurance. Both commitments have the same desired outcome – to ensure the treatment of injury or illness is available to anybody, regardless of how much money the victim has on them at the time.

The mistake many Brits make when going on holiday, is believing that their national insurance payments will ensure free treatment should the worst happen. One common misconception is that holiday insurance is covered as part of a package deal, which it usually isn’t. This is becoming an increasing issue because, according to the national office for government statistics, record numbers of British citizens are going on holiday and this also probably means record numbers are travelling unprotected. Lately, the alignment of standards within EU countries has meant that you are more than likely to be covered in a European Member State (you must carry a valid European Health Insurance Card to qualify) however, if travelling outside the EU make sure you’re covered with health insurance to prevent that holiday illness ruining your overseas adventures.