It looks like 2024 is shaping up to be a big year for travel, with many of us planning multiple trips and perhaps even splurging a bit more on those international getaways. With all that excitement, it's easy to overlook the practicalities, but that's precisely where travel insurance steps in. Think of it as your trusty travel companion, ready to step in when the unexpected happens.
APH has been doing some digging, comparing policies from about 20 major providers to give us a clearer picture of what's on offer this year. They're looking at the nitty-gritty: medical cover, what happens if you have to cancel your trip, protection for your belongings, and even those specific needs like winter sports.
One area that often raises an eyebrow is coverage for older travellers. It seems that if you're over 80, your options can become a bit more limited, especially for multi-trip policies. While some companies, like Admiral and Rock Insurance, do offer cover up to 85 for single trips, others have age caps that can be a bit of a hurdle. It’s worth noting that some providers, such as AA, AllClear, and Post Office, don't have age limits for single trips, which is a relief, but this can change for their multi-trip plans.
Lost documents can be a real headache, can't they? Thankfully, some insurers are more generous than others here. HSBC and Barclays, for instance, offer a decent £750 for replacing things like passports or driving licenses. It’s a good reminder to check the fine print, as even premium policies from other providers might offer significantly less.
And what about cancellation cover? This is a big one. Booking your insurance early can really unlock the best protection. The amounts vary wildly – you could be looking at £1,000 with AA’s basic policy, or a much more substantial £25,000 with AllClear’s top-tier Platinum plan, assuming, of course, you meet the policy's terms and conditions.
For those of us who dream of hitting the slopes, winter sports cover is a must. This usually comes as an optional add-on and can cover damage, loss, or theft of your ski gear. The specifics depend on whether the equipment is hired or your own. SAGA, for example, offers £550 for hired gear and £750 for your own. Plus, there's often compensation if piste closures cut your ski time short, with payouts ranging from £10 a day with Post Office to a more generous £50 with Rock Insurance and Virgin Money Premium (up to a certain limit, of course).
When you start comparing, you'll see that different providers have different strengths. Take AA, for instance. For single trips, they're quite flexible with age, but their multi-trip plans are for those 79 and under. They offer tiered coverage – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – with medical emergency cover ranging from £5 million to £15 million. Cancellation cover also scales up, from £1,000 to £5,000. They also cover personal belongings and documents, with limits increasing across the tiers.
Admiral also offers a good range, with single trip cover up to 85 and multi-trip up to 75. Their emergency medical cover is quite robust, going up to £20 million for their Platinum plan. Cancellation cover can reach £5,000, and they offer decent protection for money and documents, up to £500 in their top tier. For ski enthusiasts, Admiral Platinum can cover ski equipment up to £1,000 and offers reimbursement for unused ski days due to piste closures.
AllClear, on the other hand, stands out by having no age limits, though you do need to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. Their medical cover starts at £10 million and goes up to £15 million for their higher-tier plans. They also offer cancellation and curtailment cover, which is essential for peace of mind.
