Whether travelling round the world or going skiing for two weeks, travel insurance is vital. When purchasing travel insurance here's a few tips:
Travel Policy Excess
Some travel insurance policies may offer a cheap quote but have a high excess (hidden in the small print) in the event of a claim. Make sure you're happy with the excess before taking out the travel insurance policy.
Maximum Sum Insured
Always check the maximum sum you are insured for (e.g. I once had a skiing accident that cost over $80,000).
Dangerous sports (even skiing & cycling holidays!)
If you're going skiing, cycling, climbing etc then you must ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you. You may have to take out a specialist insurance policy particularly if this is the main purpose of your holiday - always double check your travel insurance covers you.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you must notify / check your travel insurance as some may be covered by your policy, but others may not.
Restrictions
Always check your travel insurance policy for special restrictions, which may severely limit the effectiveness of your cover e.g. most standard travel insurance policies do not cover skiing as an example.
Medical conditions in particular must be made known to the travel insurance provider. Many travel insurers, are unable to offer cover for any existing medical condition - however there are specialist providers such as Medicare that do.
