Travel Insurance

[pusskin]

When do you order travel insurance before going on a long journey!

Days, or weeks before? Thanks abers

[Prudie]

I get it with my bank now but used to buy it in Tesco or the Post Office in the last week before going.

[237SJ]

When I book travel insurance for my mother, I investigate prices and any pitfalls a few weeks before the trip. Once I`m confident she`s insurable, I get it a few days before she goes away as there`s no refund on the insurance if things go wrong.

[losgigs]

It's vital to buy insurance as soon as you've booked the trip, otherwise if you have to cancel for any reason you're not covered. Don't waste any time!

[Buenchico]

Since an annual policy currently costs just £25.67 for me (59 years old, Europe-wide cover) I might take it out just before one trip but it will still be valid for the next ones anyway. (That's assuming that I actually bother with insurance; I often don't). Single-trip policies are madness unless you're really sure that you won't be going abroad again within 12 months. Even then, some annual policies are still cheaper than many single-trip ones!

[237SJ]

Depends how old you are Buenchico. Annual policies cost an arm and a leg for the elderly - that`s if you can get them.

[losgigs]

Buenchico is right - annual insurance often works out cheaper than a single trip policy AND they cover you for any trip - UK or abroad, providing you go away 2 or 3 times a year.

[yogi-bear]

Hi pusskin,

Always take out Annual insurance, as I take a lot away with me usually for my work, so get a family one, which is currently with our home and car's cover insurer, and about £110 for Worldwide trips ( get a substantial discount for having multiple insurances with them ).......so depends how many times you intend to travel in a year, pusskin.........may help to shop around for the best deal if you travel more than once a year. :0)

[pusskin]

We dont normally bother , but Aussie is a long way, and were knocking on 70, and dont want to take any chances with health etc.

many thanks for all your replies abers x

[pusskin]

Very interesting answers, cant thank you enough x

[yogi-bear]

No worries and have a great trip, puss x

[DaisyNonna]

Check I can get insurance before I book a journey

[Buenchico]

>>>Annual policies cost an arm and a leg for the elderly - that`s if you can get them.

How old? Annual European cover is available as follows:

Ages 65 to 69: £35.64 for one person, £58.80 for a couple.

Ages 70 to 74: £57.26 (for 1), £94.49 (for 2)

Ages 75 to 79: £62.24 (for 1) £102.71 (for 2)

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cheap-travel-insurance

[237SJ]

You should always take out insurance. The single most important part is medical cover. OK, you could lose your suitcase, your flight could be cancelled but if you end up in hospital somewhere, you seriously don`t want to be worrying about cost.

[losgigs]

Hi Pusskin - hope you get some insurance sorted soon. Saga or M&S are both good for over 65s. I can't understand people who don't bother with travel insurance -it's peace of mind, and covers most things - always check the small print though.(No, I don't work for an insurance company!)

[Buenchico]

Pusskin:

Now we know that there are 2 of you travelling to Oz, take a look at my link above. A couple aged 65 to 69 can get worldwide annual cover for £108.32.

[yogi-bear]

That's a good price, Chris....worth thinking about, puss x

[pusskin]

So hopefully, i may get insurance for £100? for two of us?

[237SJ]

I don`t know about Europe Buenchico as I don`t "do" Europe but most elderly have medical issues and they won`t get annual insurance. I was talking to a customer the other day who was 88 and had been in California on holiday. His single trip insurance was £700 (for two weeks). I`m surprised insurance companies are not more elderly-friendly as more older people travel these days but at the end of the day, they are hedging their bets as to whether someone is going to cost them money or not. It`s all about risk.

[pusskin]

£108. 32 --thats cheap. Thought it would have cost more.
Feeling happy now. Happy bunny x

[Buenchico]

It seems so, Pusskin. (Follow the links). And, of course, it will cover you for any other trips you might still be able to afford, over a 12 month period. It seems good value to me!