Holiday Insurance Tips from Holiday Rescue
27/06/2018Whether you’re taking a quick trip over the ditch or heading to beautiful Europe, Asia or Africa, the last thing you want is to be worried about what could go wrong. Many Kiwis forget to protect themselves with holiday insurance or assume they are protected should the worst happen when on holiday.
Holiday insurance is key for anyone taking an overseas trip – if you or your family member get sick or have an accident while offshore, you could be looking at a bill of upwards of $200,000. Kiwi travel insurance company Holiday Rescue share their top travel insurance tips for your next holiday.
What is the risk of travelling without travel insurance?
In New Zealand we have a brilliant medical system – much of our medical care is subsidised, so we don’t realise the real cost of medical care when overseas. Medical treatment can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, with many overseas medical claims costing anywhere between $50,000 and $250,000.
What are the most common mistakes Kiwis make when it comes to travel insurance?
Most Kiwis don’t take out travel insurance at the same time as they buy their flights and accommodation, and the majority don’t actually know what is covered and what isn’t in their policy. If something happens to you before your holiday so are unable to travel, but you haven’t taken out travel insurance, you will lose what you have paid for your holiday. Kiwis often think their health or contents insurance at home covers them on holiday (it doesn’t) or believe that loss of enjoyment is covered by insurance. If you go to Fiji for a beach holiday but it rains the whole week, unfortunately you can’t get your money back.
What should you look out for in a travel insurance policy document?
Anything that you don’t understand. Find a travel insurance provider who’s language you understand, so you’re really clear on what you are paying for. Also be careful of lists of exclusions – if your policy has a particularly long list of exclusions, you might want to consider trying a different policy or provider!
What should Kiwis consider when selecting their own travel insurance policy and provider?
The most important thing is to take into account your own circumstances. What is most important to you when you travel? At Holiday Rescue, we think it should be your health and the health of your family. We have direct relationships with emergency assistance providers so we know who we are dealing with if something goes wrong. Because we don’t need to muck around getting quotes we move quickly, which makes all the difference in an emergency situation.
What is the most important thing you can do to keep yourself safe overseas?
The most you can do is be aware and use your common sense. Those little things you do at home like remembering to wear a seatbelt and lock your door make all the difference when travelling overseas. Keep safe and enjoy your next trip!
Holiday Rescue is a new travel insurance company who provide more than what you’d expect from travel insurance. They are unexpectedly upfront, all over it in an emergency, and they cover what really matters – because things can be replaced, but you and your family can’t!
