Don’t leave home without it …

Happy New Year all! Like me, you probably make all sort of vows as the year turns over. Drink less, lose some weight, create a better work/life balance … and so the list goes on. By Adrienne Witteman.

However, I’d like to encourage everyone reading this to make a resolution never to travel without adequate insurance. It’s not a big ask but it is something that could save you a lot of heartache and even more money. The old adage “if you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel” has never been truer.

I don’t disagree that travel insurance is not cheap. However, neither is the medical care after you inadvertently look left instead of right when crossing the road in the USA and are hit by an oncoming vehicle. Or the stent which dislodges, causing you untold physical and financial pain. Or the mid-air illness that sees you admitted to hospital in Dubai, for which you have no coverage - because you were travelling to Greece and decided to rely on the Medicare reciprocity. I needn’t go on. Travel insurance is there to protect you in case of the unexpected – and it is not just for international travel. I am meticulous in asking my clients if they need insurance for their trip to Cairns or Uluru, the Kimberley or Tasmania. That Broome to Darwin cruise, the Maria Island Walk, even your weekend at Crown in Melbourne can cost a lot if cancelled 60 or 30 days out, or while in progress.

I once developed conjunctivitis on a US trip, and after a fruitless search for over-the-counter drops, was forced to visit a medical centre that charged me USD385 (discounted from the “new patient” charge because I would not be returning) for a simple script.

Welcome to America. On another occasion, a broken leg while skiing in Queenstown necessitated an afterhours x-ray and consultation, and the purchase of a moon boot and crutches, none of which was covered in spite or our reciprocal health agreement. The devil is in the detail. So what should you look for in a good policy? Here are some tips.

• Covid coverage. All policies are different and how much you need will depend on the flexibility of the travel provider. Several cruise companies are providing refunds or credits until 31 March (and this might be extended, with the virus lingering longer than expected) but make sure you do have cover;

• Read the policy (PDS) to ensure it provides you with coverage adequate for you or your family’s personal circumstances or risk profile;

• Be aware of limitations – the policy is insuring you against the unforeseen. If you have a 90 year old mum with several pre-existing medical conditions, chances are the policy will not cover your cancellation should she become gravely ill or die;

• That motorcycle ride in Bali or along the Amalfi coast? The off-piste skiing you so enjoy? Forget it unless you have taken extra coverage.

• When relying on credit card insurance it is even more important to ask for a copy of the PDS to ensure you comply with all requirements – minimum purchase clauses, age limitations, supplementary cardholder restrictions and so on. I must confess that while I know I have coverage with my 2 credit cards, I rely primarily on an annual multi-trip policy to maximise coverage. I am not alone.

We all hope for trouble free travel and for most of us, that is what we experience. Thank goodness. Please don’t fall for “it will never happen to me” or “I am covered by my card”. Accidents happen and you cannot assume. Happy travels!