If you are travelling abroad then it is vitally important that you have adequate travel insurance before you go, even if it is just a short trip to Europe. When you travel to countries outside the EU then your travel insurance is even more important. Different conditions in non-EU countries mean that it is more likely than not that you will need some health care while you are out there.

Getting affordable healthcare without such travel insurance could be nigh on impossible. Almost anything can happen when you are abroad; this is not to be alarmist, rather to say that you should be prepared for different situations. If you don't buy health insurance then you could find yourself with bills that will take you years to repay if you are taken ill and need hospital treatment or an unscheduled flight home.

Travel/Health Insurance in Europe

If you live in the UK and you are traveling to Europe then the first thing you need is your EU health card, which covers you for minor health problems and consultation with a GP while you are away. The EU health card is free and you just send off for it before your holiday. If you only buy cover for one trip travel insurance is cheaper, but it is only limited to that trip. You should have cancellation insurance then if you need to cancel your holiday for any reason that is listed as valid under the terms of your policy, or if the flight is canceled then you should get your money back or put on the next available flight.

Your insurance should cover the cost of a hospital stay if it is necessary and your transfer back to the UK should such a situation occur. When you think that the cost of the insurance is often less than £50 it seems stupid to risk being left with healthcare bills that could run into thousands of pounds.

Pre-existing Conditions

If you have a pre-existing health condition it should be disclosed to the insurer, as a rule if you have a serious health condition this can be a problem when it comes to travel insurance. Generally speaking, you will need to pay an extra premium if you want cover for a pre-existing condition, if you don't disclose the condition when you purchase your travel insurance you will not be covered for it. You should check your policy thoroughly to find out just what you are covered for while you are abroad.

Your Belongings

You should insure your belongings. Although traveler's cheques are not always a favourite, they are a lot easier to insure than just cash. You will need to see that your luggage is insured. In recent years there seems to have been an increase in the number of people who have lost their luggage, had it stolen, or had it mislaid or lost by the airport staff. Unless you want the cost of having to replace all those belongings, get them insured before you go abroad.

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