Travel insurance: an essential purchase for your Easter holiday

Travel insurance: an essential purchase for your Easter holiday

As the UK's long Easter weekend draws near, many people will be preparing for a longer holiday than usual in 2011, thanks to the extra bank holiday afforded by the Royal Wedding. In the past, Easter holidaymakers have usually contented themselves with a short break to a European destination over the four-day weekend. However this year has an added holiday (which falls the Friday following Easter) that will allow some people to take a little more time off and opt for a destination that's further away. If you've already booked your flights and your accommodation, there's just one more essential to take care of: your travel insurance.

Many holidaymakers see travel insurance as an unnecessary add-on, particularly if they are holidaying within the European Union. But while it's true that EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to some free or discounted healthcare in certain countries, this is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance which offers travellers cover for a range of negative eventualities. For example, an average travel insurance policy will offer personal baggage cover up to a specified amount. So if your airline loses or misplaces your baggage, you may be entitled to make a claim. What's more, cover may also be included if your flight is cancelled, severely delayed or if your personal items are lost or stolen.

Most importantly, a travel insurance policy will ensure that you are covered for any medical emergencies that might happen - for instance, if you break your leg and you need immediate medical attention. Without insurance, healthcare costs in a foreign country can run into thousands - and sometimes hundreds of thousands - of pounds, for which you will be personally liable if you don't have cover. However, it's important to note that standard travel insurance policies don't usually cover winter sports holidays, golf trips or extreme sports (like bungee jumping) and this coverage often requires the payment of an added premium.

When it comes to choosing travel insurance, there are many options available. Frequent travellers often purchase annual travel insurance, which covers them for holidays to a range of destinations over the course of 12 months. However, if your Easter/Royal Wedding holiday is likely to be the only one you expect to take this year, single trip travel insurance is likely to be a more affordable and appropriate option.

Single trip travel insurance provides cover for just one trip, taken on dates that are specified at the time of purchase. If you decide to extend your stay past the recorded date, your policy may not be valid if you need to make a claim for something that happens after this date. What's more, the price of single trip cover will vary depending on your holiday location. A trip to the USA or Canada, for instance, will incur some of the most expensive insurance premiums, while cover for a break in the UK will be the cheapest.

The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Bupa Insurance. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.

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