Travel Insurance Myths Solved

With so many options to choose from, it can sometimes be tricky to know what travel insurance policy you need. In this article, we debunk some common travel insurance myths so you can select your coverage with confidence.

True or false? 10 Travel Insurance Myths Debunked

1. Travel insurance will not cover me for pre-existing conditions

FALSE: Most of the time, you can take out travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition - though you may need to use a specialist provider.

If you have a condition which requires regular medication, or you have had treatment for a condition in the past few years, you may need to look outside of standard travel policies.

There are a number of providers out there who specialise in covering travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, including Age Co Travel Insurance.

While getting a quote, these providers will ask you to fill in a questionnaire and you will have to declare the conditions you have and might also ask about the number of medications you’re on. They will then decide whether or not to grant cover.

Insurance companies can provide cover for a range of pre-existing conditions. Some of the most common conditions are:

• Heart Conditions
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• High Blood Pressure
• Asthma
• Diabetes

It is important to declare everything that is shown on your medical records. If you don’t, you run the risk of invalidating your cover and, therefore, being unable to make a claim.

2. I am over 75 so I can't get travel insurance

FALSE: Some companies have no upper age limits in place.
Age Co Travel Insurance is proud to have no upper age limit. Whether you’re 50 or 101, we aim to offer you quality coverage at a fair price. This means older travellers can still enjoy travelling without the worry of not being covered should an unexpected accident occur.

3. My current travel insurance policy will cover all my trips

FALSE: Your current travel insurance policy might not necessarily cover all your trips.

It's important to keep in mind that travel insurance policies can vary in coverage. Some policies protect a single trip, while others offer annual coverage for multiple trips. However, even with an annual policy, there might be restrictions on the duration of each trip or the total number of trips covered within the year. It's also worth noting that certain locations, activities, and circumstances may not be included in your policy coverage.

By taking the time to review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy, you can ensure that all your trips are adequately protected.

4. It's okay to wait and buy insurance cover on the day I travel

TRUE: However, you may still want to purchase travel insurance in advance.

If you want to be protected against cancellation costs, then buying in advance can be the best option. Many providers let you purchase single-trip policies up to a year before your trip. If cancellation cover is in place, this means you could be reimbursed should your trip be unable to go ahead, whether due to illness, injury, or even jury duty.

Although, if you want to lower the cost of your travel insurance and don’t mind lacking cancellation protection, then buying closer to the date of travel can bring down the price. This is due to the risks being minimised, from your provider’s perspective.

5. I am only travelling in the UK so I don't need insurance

FALSE: Travel insurance is also useful for UK-based trips, in case of lost or stolen luggage, or unforeseen circumstances that mean you cannot travel.

Likewise, if you become ill while you’re away, you may have to extend your stay. An insurance policy may cover the costs of someone staying with you until you’re well enough to return home.

If you’re travelling by ferry, train or bus, delays and cancellations are often covered. Some insurance policies also cover you for internal flights, but it’s not always the case. If you want this type of insurance, check before you buy.

6. If a flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline will compensate me

TRUE: Airlines are required to compensate or accommodate passengers for significant delays or cancellations, but the specifics can vary and not all situations may be covered.

Delays caused by weather conditions or extraordinary circumstances often fall outside the airline's control, so the amount you receive as compensation may not fully cover your expenses.

However, some travel insurance can offer more comprehensive coverage, including reimbursement for meals, accommodation during delays, and the cost of alternative travel arrangements.

7. I can’t have all my family under one travel insurance policy

FALSE: Many insurance companies allow for family or group insurance policies, which can be more cost-effective and convenient than individual policies.

This type of coverage can include all family members travelling together on the same trip. It is particularly useful for families with children, as some policies offer free coverage for kids, making it a more economical choice. Additionally, it ensures equal protection for all family members with a consistent level of coverage.

However, it's important to note that pre-existing medical conditions of any family member can impact the policy terms or premium, so it is recommended to consider an individual plan if they require specialist consideration.

8. I don’t need travel insurance because I have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

FALSE: While an EHIC or GHIC allows you to access healthcare services at a reduced cost or even free in some European countries, it doesn't replace the need for travel insurance.

These cards cover state-funded healthcare treatments but they don't cover private hospitals, non-urgent medical care or other situations that can occur when travelling, such as:

• Trip cancellation
• Lost luggage
• Gadget cover
• Personal liability cover
• Repatriation costs, if you need to be flown back to the UK due to a medical emergency

They also don't provide coverage outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you plan on travelling to any other destination, you’ll have no safeguard against medical bills.

9. Travel insurance is essentially medical insurance

FALSE: While travel insurance does cover medical emergencies, its coverage often extends far beyond that.

Travel insurance offers a comprehensive safety net for travellers, with a wide range of potential risks and issues that may arise during a trip. In addition to medical emergencies, it could also cover trip cancellation or interruption, unexpected delays, loss or theft of baggage, and even emergency evacuation (though make sure you double check the policy documentation to see what is included).

10.  I’m not doing any sports or risky activities so I don’t need travel insurance

FALSE: Even if you aren't participating in sports or engaging in risky activities, travel insurance remains essential.

Unpredictable situations such as flight delays, lost luggage, or sudden illness can happen to any traveller, regardless of planned activities. Travel insurance covers these unforeseen events, offering financial protection and peace of mind.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that if you do plan on taking part in any high-risk activities, such as skiing or water sports, you will need to inform your provider. Some high-risk activities might not be covered by a standard travel policy and either a specialist policy or add-on might be required.

If you find yourself unsure about what is fact and what is fiction for travel insurance, try reaching out to potential providers. Their team will be happy to discuss your options and help you find the right protection moving forward. You can also find more travel information in Age Co’s Useful Article section.