Insurance questions: from off-roading to off-piste

Although it's as easy as a mouse click today to grab a quick insurance policy for a cheap last minute flight to Europe, getting insured for some more unusual activities while travelling can be a chore. Here's a few tips on getting insurance while fully enjoying an adventurous vacation abroad.

 

Whenever you drive a car outside your home country, it's always a good idea to check if your insurance will cover you. A quick call to the AA can help you find out if you'll be covered.

 

When renting a car, be sure to check the fine print before driving off-road. Most rental cars will charge you directly for any damage incurred to the car when it is taken off a tar-sealed or metal road. If off-roading is in your itinerary, you are likely to need some very specialised insurance, likely from a tour company.

 

When booking a rental car overseas, it's a good idea, whenever possible, to investigate the insurance provided by the rental company. In many cases there are any number of situations not covered by the rental company's insurance policy. In other cases, it falls to the renter to pay out large excesses in the policy. Before leaving home, you can take out a number of policies which provide fuller, more comprehensive coverage for rental cars.

 

Finally, anyone planning to hit the slopes for some winter sports should always take out a good travel insurance policy since one in seven people is forced to seek medical attention while skiing. In addition, winter sports coverage will protect your equipment from damage, loss and theft while travelling.

 

Before getting too adventurous on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders are advised to check the small print of their policy as many do not cover travellers in the event they stray off designated ski trails and beyond the slope's marker posts. Although there is insurance available to cover off-piste skiing, it is often fairly limited. While it usually covers medical bills incurred from skiing off the trail, it often doesn't provide compensation for time off work while healing. Claims made while skiing in severe weather or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will usually not be covered either.

 

 


Follow these links to find out more or to get a quote on Travel insurance, UK airport parking, UK airport hotels or UK airport lounges.



Jennifer Jones Editorial


11/12/2007


 

 



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