Latest news with #travelinsurance
ABC News
12 hours ago
- ABC News
Does travel insurance cover cancellations due to war or natural disasters?
Do you really know what your travel insurance covers? This week, passengers faced cancellations and lengthy delays on flights due to the Middle East conflict, with routes to major cities cut off across the globe. While operations in Dubai and Qatar have resumed and airspaces reopened, it's times like these that it pays to know exactly what your travel insurance covers We spoke to the experts to find out what you're entitled to when a conflict breaks out or a natural disaster unfolds. In short, no. That's what Wendy discovered after buying travel insurance for her adult son weeks before the conflict in the Middle East. Stranded at Doha airport after winning a European holiday, and despite getting a full refund for the cancelled flight, Christopher was told he would have to pay the difference for an alternative ticket with another airline. "We were really shocked. I can understand war and unrest is a very top-tier issue, but it's still interesting how they can get around it because it falls under something that's outside of your control," Wendy said. It's a situation insurance expert Jodi Bird from consumer advocacy group CHOICE said was far more common than many people realised. "Pretty much across all policies there's a blanket ban," he said. "There's no policies that CHOICE are aware of that will cover claims resulting from war." It's pretty straightforward, according to Mr Bird. It's all about the bottom line. "Travel insurance generally doesn't like to cover things like war because it costs too much money," he said. "For some reason, they've decided that war is kind of a blanket ban across pretty much all policies." Put simply, it doesn't make a difference. You won't be covered regardless of the premium you're paying, Mr Bird said. Even the most expensive policies don't offer protection when conflict breaks out overseas. "You might find some variation in things like a pandemic — there were a lot more insurers that covered for pandemic before we had one," he said. Unfortunately, timing doesn't help. Wendy's family had no inkling there was a risk when they booked. "In what way, in our wildest dreams … a transit flight through Qatar, which thousands and thousands of passengers are doing around the world every day, would you ever consider that there's going to be a war there?" she said. The Insurance Council of Australia's deputy CEO, Kylie McFarlane, said it doesn't matter when the policy is taken out. If there is no conflict or war at the time of purchase, the fine print still excludes any claims arising from those events. It depends on your level of cover, but in many cases you may be protected. Natural disasters like floods, cyclones or bushfires are treated differently to war or a conflict. "Extreme weather events may be an inclusion," Ms McFarlane said. "It all comes down to the insurance policy and the provider, so if you're concerned, speak to your insurer." Absolutely — and don't give up if your claim is knocked back. "You should not accept that as the last port of call, unless you absolutely agree with them," Mr Bird said. "The first thing you need to do is raise a complaint to the insurer themselves and ask them to revisit your claim. And if they don't give you a satisfactory answer, you can escalate the complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority." Wendy reached out to the insurance company, but they simply directed her to the clause on her policy showing that war or unrest made any claims null and void. "It's not one of those things that they even raise for you in the beginning, and even if you'd looked at the exclusions at the back, it still wouldn't occur to us," she said. Start by looking beyond the top-line benefits on the website and dig into the exclusions. "Every product disclosure statement has a section called 'general exclusions' — that's a bit that is good to read," he said. "That will give you an understanding of what they may or may not cover — big events like war, pandemic, terrorism, civil unrest. That will give you a good idea of what it is that you're actually buying." Yep. "Travel insurance is definitely worth it — especially just for the medical cost line," Mr Bird says. "It's worth it basically all the time for overseas travel. You will need travel insurance to cover the medical and repatriation costs if you have a problem overseas. Those are the kinds of things where you can really get into a lot of trouble financially if you're not covered." While Wendy's son was able to get a refund for the cancelled flight, they weren't able to pay out the difference of a more expensive flight for him to get to Europe. Or the extra costs associated with travelling from a different city to his intended destination. Wendy has a message for other travellers . "Beware, and understand that you can fully pay for your trip and be prepared, and you can buy your travel insurance, and then still you have to be prepared to cover all the costs yourself if something goes wrong," she said.
The Sun
14 hours ago
- The Sun
Eight travel insurance mistakes to avoid that could cost thousands – including tricks to buying cover and what to pay
IF you've planned a holiday but scrimped on travel insurance, you could lose thousands of pounds. Travel insurance covers you if something goes wrong on holiday. 4 4 The most common claims are for transport delays, followed by medical costs and lost baggage, according to Holidaymakers put in 574,000 claims in 2023, according to latest figures from the Association of British Insurers, up 59 per cent from 362,000 in 2022. While it might be tempting to get the cheapest cover or avoid buying it altogether, you could end up footing the bill for a holiday nightmare all by yourself. The key is to make sure you get the right cover - otherwise your policy could be useless. MEL HUNTER explains the most common travel insurance mistakes that can trip people up. MISTAKE 1: NOT TAKING IT OUT There are lots of different types of travel insurance, from single trips, annual cover, family trips, holidays in Europe, and more. Costs vary depending on your age, holiday destination, and any medical conditions. A single-trip policy for a 61-70 year old costs £21 on average, but £15 for a 26-34 year old, for example. While a single-trip policy for an adult holidaying in France would be £16, but £43 for Thailand. More than half of holidaymakers have gone away without travel insurance, according to Co-op insurance. But that's an expensive mistake to make, considering the size of payouts dished out. The average medical bill claim was £2,148 last year, according to LV= General Insurance. Around £359 was paid out for lost or damaged luggage, and £1,390 for cancelled holidays. Christian Bennett from insurer said: 'Travel insurance is essential, and it goes far beyond medical cover.' MISTAKE 2: LEAVING IT TOO LATE 4 With suitcases to pack and flights to catch, it's easy to forget about travel insurance. One in four holidaymakers book it on the day they travel, according to consumer body Which? But leaving it until the last minute is a big mistake. You are only protected from the moment you buy your policy. So if your airline or holiday company cancels your trip or someone in your family falls ill before you take out insurance, you won't be covered. Christian said: 'You should get your cover sorted as soon as you book your flight or holiday. 'If you wait until closer to departure to arrange your travel insurance and then find yourself in the unfortunate position of not being able to travel, you may not be able to recover the cost of your trip.' MISTAKE 3: NOT KNOWING THE DETAILS OF YOUR POLICY Read the T&Cs before taking any policy out, so you know what you are covered for. Only a fifth of holidaymakers research their travel insurance properly. But it may come as a surprise to know that water sports, gadgets like laptops and cameras, and even cycling, may not be covered. It can be difficult wading through piles of paperwork, but key things to look out for are cancellation policy, baggage and medical cover, as these are the most common things to go wrong on holiday. Make sure your policy will cover all your costs if you need to claim. A basic policy may only pay out £1,000 per person if you have to cancel your trip, while a higher level might go to £10,000. Baggage cover can range from £1,000 to £3,000. Medical cover usually pays out up to £1 million at least, but it's crucial to read the small print of what it does, or doesn't, cover. MISTAKE 4: GIVING TOO LITTLE DETAIL ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY People underestimate the level of medical details they need to give. You should tell your insurer about every visit to a doctor in the past two or three years, along with any chronic conditions or upcoming treatment. Say if you've had cancer, heart attacks or strokes, even if they happened a long time ago. Include if you or someone on the policy is neurodivergent or waiting for an assessment for conditions such as ADHD or autism. Grant Winter from Goodtogo Travel Insurance said: 'Failing to declare pre-existing medical conditions can result in your policy being invalid. 'That means your claim may not be paid in full, or declined completely.' Update your insurer if there's any changes to your health for annual policies. If you are travelling in Europe, you should also get separate GHIC cards for everyone in your family on top of insurance. They cost nothing, and entitle you to medical care at the same cost as someone who lives in the country – which may not be free. MISTAKE 5: NOT HAVING ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO MAKE A CLAIM If you don't have the evidence to back up your claim, it may be rejected. That's why taking pictures, keeping receipts and notes is so important. For luggage, take a picture of all the items you intend to pack, from clothes to perfume. If your luggage goes walkies or items get lost or stolen, you can show you packed them. Photograph important documents like your passport, hotel and flight bookings, medical and insurance documents. Store them online, password protected, in 'the cloud'. That way if your device gets stolen, you'll still have copies. MISTAKE 6: GETTING SINGLE TRIP COVER INSTEAD OF AN ANNUAL POLICY 4 An annual travel insurance policy covers all your trips away for a whole year, and costs £67 on average. A single trip policy just covers individual trips and typically costs £25. It is priced by the number of days you are away. Picking a single trip policy only usually makes sense cost wise if that's the only holiday you take in the year. Alicia Hempsted from MoneySuperMarket said: 'An annual policy tends to be more cost effective if you're going away at least three times a year.' Use a comparison website like MoneySuperMarket or Compare the Market to compare costs for single trip and annual policies. MISTAKE 7: SPENDING TOO LITTLE, OR TOO MUCH While travel insurance may seem like an annoying extra cost to factor in, scrimping could be even more costly. Some 18 per cent of holidaymakers buy the cheapest travel insurance they can find, according to But cheapest doesn't mean best value for money - and there are important checks to make first. Check the provider is covered by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). This means it has to meet minimum standards, like dealing with claims fairly and promptly. Search its register using your insurance provider's firm reference number (FRN), which should be on its website. Check the reviews for possible insurers. Look at Defaqto ratings, which go from one star for the most basic products to five for the most comprehensive. It could be cheaper booking directly with an insurer instead of through a comparison site. Some insurers, like Direct Line, aren't on comparison sites so contact them directly. These days we travel with a pile of expensive gadgets. But the value of these items can easily exceed the protection offered by most standard travel insurance policies. That means if you lose these items, you may not be covered for the full value. If your laptop, phones, camera and iPads fall outside the per-item limit for baggage cover - around £250 - you'll need extra insurance. A specialist gadget policy may be available as an add-on. It typically adds £10 per person to a single trip policy and £20 per person to annual cover. Alicia said: 'These policies can also cover repairs as well, which would be helpful if you needed to get your phone repaired while you're abroad.' What should you look for in a good travel insurance policy? TRAVEL insurance policies can vary a great deal, but here are some "must haves Medical expenses - A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA Repatriation service - The costs of getting you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy Cancellation and curtailment - A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday Missed departure - Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control Delay - You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control Baggage cover - Covers you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen. Look for policies that have cover of £1,500 or more.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
New survey finds 4 in 10 travellers leave the province without travel insurance
Video Kaitlynn Furse from CAA describes travel insurance as an 'important investment' when leaving on a flight or road trip.
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Holiday Extras discount codes for June 2025: up to 40% off airport parking
Whether you've booked your next getaway or thinking about where to visit next, we've found some of the best ways to make travelling a whole lot less stressful thanks to Holiday Extras. From booking your airport parking in advance to securing discounted lounge passes, Holiday Extras offers a range of services at most major UK airports. Right now you can save up to 40 per cent off airport parking and 20 per cent off travel insurance with our exclusive discounts below. We'll be sure to keep this page updated with all the best Holiday Extras deals and offers throughout the summer months. How to save with a Holiday Extras discount code Airport parking If you've ever parked your car at the airport, you'll know how quickly costs can add up, which is why we always recommend booking as early in advance as possible. Holiday Extras offers a few different options, depending on your needs. Whether you opt for Park and Ride, Meet and Greet or on-site parking, the Holiday Extras parking rates start from just £5 per day at airports up and down the UK, saving you anywhere from 40 to 70 per cent, compared to paying for parking on the day. You'll also have the opportunity to compare different parking providers all in one place, making it a much more affordable and hassle-free process. If you already know you'll be flying out and returning on set dates, Holiday Extras advises booking its non-flexible deal, as this offers some of the top savings. Our top piece of advice, as always, is don't leave it to the last minute to book. Airport hotels If you have a particularly early flight or don't fancy travelling home at the end of a long travel day, you may want to book into an airport hotel. You won't need to worry about unexpected traffic jams or how long it might take you to get to the airport, with most airport hotels being located just a few minutes away from the main terminal. It's another way to take some of the stress out of what can be a hectic day. Airport hotel deals start from as little as £28 at Holiday Extras, with rooms at Travelodge, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Ibis and Premier Inn being just a few of the options available, depending on the airport that you're departing from. You can also combine your overnight stay with hotel parking to save even more money. According to Holiday Extras, adding parking to your hotel booking can cost as little as £4. You may also want to combine this with our offer on airport parking. Transfers Save up to 20 per cent when you get to your destination, with airport transfers starting from as little as £2.45 per person. Sometimes the last thing you want to think about after a long day of travelling is making the journey from the airport to your hotel, and booking a transfer beforehand saves you paying for a exorbitant taxi at the terminal. With locations all over the globe, from cities such as New York and Paris, to summer holiday favourites such as Lanzarote, Mallorca and Antalya, all prices include tips, local taxes and tolls, so there aren't any hidden fees. Choose from shared shuttles to private transfers, with options for those needing wheelchair access, too. Holiday Extras even offers a 'best price guarantee'. That way if you find the exact same transfer with the same supplier for cheaper, within 24 hours of booking, it'll match the lower price. Travel insurance Travel insurance is a must, regardless of where you're travelling to or for how long, and with our exclusive Holiday Extras travel insurance code you can get 20 per cent off. Whether you need single trip, annual, cruise, winter sports cover, or have a medical condition, you can tailor your Holiday Extras holiday insurance to your exact requirements to save you paying for what you don't need. Airport lounges Once you've paid for airport snacks and bottles of water, or sat down for a pre-takeoff meal and drinks, you've probably shelled out a good chunk of your holiday budget before even stepping onto the plane. This is why you might want to consider booking into an airport lounge. That's right, you don't need to have a specific credit card or be a gold member with your airline to get access anymore. Holiday Extras sells airport lounge passes at 22 UK airports, as well as some abroad, so you can start off your holiday in style. From complimentary food and drinks, including alcohol (you may need to pay an additional fee for champagne), and free WiFi, to comfortable and often quieter seating areas, plus complimentary magazines and newspapers, it's the perfect spot to relax and unwind. You typically get three hours to make the most of the space, as well as the perks, before you need to board. Prices start from as little as £24.99 at Manchester Airport to £38.99 at London Stansted per adult, but can vary depending on the exact date. It's well worth checking in advance if you're thinking of upgrading your airport experience before your next trip. Some lounges can become fully booked too, so if you don't want to miss out, be sure to grab your pass sooner rather than later. More ways to save with Holiday Extras While security lines can vary depending on your flight time and how busy the airport is, if you're flying on a bank holiday or over the school break, it might make sense to purchase a fast track pass. In most cases it will save you from long queues or feeling quite as rushed, if the standard line is particularly long. Prices start from just £3.50, saving you up to 20 per cent. For those who don't have a designated travel money card in your travel wallet, you can pick up the Caxton travel money card. Essentially, you can use it wherever you see the Mastercard logo, but you won't pay any transaction fees and can store up to 15 currencies on the one card – ideal for those who jet off on several holidays a year. You can download a free app to keep an eye on your spending, too. For more offers and deals, be sure to sign up to the Holiday Extras newsletter. You'll get the latest discounts, plus you'll receive handy travel guides and inspiration for future trips straight to your inbox. Why choose Holiday Extras With services at most major airports here in the UK, and a growing number abroad, we appreciate that Holiday Extras lets you streamline your travel prep by offering everything from airport parking and lounge access to transfers and insurance in advance. Anything we can do to make the actual day of travel a bit more stress-free, is worth it in our books. If you want to amend your Holiday Extras booking, this depends on the type of booking that you've made. Let's break it down: If you opted for one with free cancellation and cancel within 7 days of making your booking, you'll receive a voucher which entitles you to a full refund within 14 days. If you need to cancel after 7 days have passed, the same voucher can be put towards another booking or you can exchange it for cash for a £10 fee. It is worth noting that this £10 will be saved to your Holiday Extras account to be used on future bookings, so you won't lose out. For saver bookings you will also get a voucher, however, if you simply want to change the date or time of your existing booking, you'll need to cancel and rebook, with a separate voucher being issued for you to do so. If you booked using the supersaver option, this can't be changed or cancelled, which means you won't be entitled to a voucher or a refund. You'll still be able to change details such as your name or car registration, though. So, make sure to choose the best option for you. Why you can trust us A trusted consumer champion since 1986, the team at The Independent are always on the lookout for the best deals, sales and ways to save you money. From holidays abroad to ensuring you're getting the best price during some of the biggest shopping events of the year (think Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and the Boxing Day sales), we only ever select savings from retailers that we trust. Having written about travel deals for cities all over the world, Ellis is an experienced consumer writer who only highlights the very best hotels, flights and discounts.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Travel insurance from BankDhofar is an all-inclusive safety net
MUSCAT: Travel insurance is no longer just a travel extra—it serves as a crucial safeguard for individuals embarking on family holidays, corporate travel, or overseas assignments. In an era marked by uncertainties such as flight delays, sudden health issues, and unpredictable weather, having robust insurance coverage offers essential reassurance and security. Understanding the importance of this protection, BankDhofar—one of Oman's largest banks—has joined forces with Dhofar Insurance Company, a leading name in the Sultanate's insurance sector, to introduce a comprehensive travel insurance solution. With wide-ranging coverage, generous benefits, and adaptable features tailored to travelers' needs, this policy delivers dependable protection and reflects a strong focus on customer well-being. Fully underwritten by Dhofar Insurance, the Travel Insurance policy offers comprehensive protection for travelers facing unexpected events abroad. It covers emergency medical expenses and hospitalization up to USD 150,000, including emergency dental treatment up to USD 1,000 per year . In case of serious illness or accident, the insurance covers transportation or repatriation costs up to USD 100,000, and sea or mountain search and rescue expenses up to USD 20,000. Additional support is provided for family members during medical emergencies. If a traveler is hospitalized for more than seven days, the policy includes one economy class air ticket or a first-class rail ticket for a visiting relative, along with accommodation expenses of USD 100 per day for up to 15 days. In the unfortunate event of death, repatriation of mortal remains is covered up to USD 35,000, and emergency return home for the traveler following the death of a close family member is also included. Financial protection for trip disruptions includes USD 1,000 for cancellations or curtailment (with a USD 50 deductible), up to USD 2,500 for delayed departures, and compensation of USD 30 for every 5-hour delay, up to USD 180. The policy also offers coverage for common travel inconveniences, such as loss of registered luggage (up to USD 1,000), delayed luggage (USD 300 after a 12-hour delay), and expenses related to the loss of a passport (up to USD 1,000). For severe incidents, the policy includes compensation of up to USD 25,000 in case of death or permanent total disability resulting from an accident, ensuring peace of mind throughout the journey. Terms and conditions apply. This travel insurance plan offers more than the usual protections—it includes thoughtful features like compassionate visit coverage, enabling a family member to travel and be with the insured during hospitalization abroad. In cases where minor children are left without supervision due to an emergency, the policy ensures their secure return home. It also provides emergency dental treatment, giving travelers access to urgent dental care when needed. The policy is designed for worldwide use and can be personalized based on where the traveler is headed and their specific needs. Whether the journey is regional or international, travelers have the flexibility to adjust their coverage to suit their individual travel plans. The travel insurance policy is part of a broader suite of bancassurance products offered by BankDhofar via its extensive network of branches. For more information about BankDhofar's travel insurance policy, visit any of its more than 130 branches across Oman.
