The World Health Organisation (WHO) issues advice against travel to areas affected by outbreaks of disease. Some insurers may include WHO advice in their policies and refuse to cover people, even if the Foreign Office hasn’t issued an advisory.
When taking out a policy: • Reputable companies should offer you a 24-hour help line while you’re abroad. • Check out whether your insurance covers belongings such as phones, iPods or laptops and any other items of value. • Don’t rely on free credit card travel policies as they may not cover you fully. • Frequent travellers should consider multi-trip policies that cover travel within a certain time period annual travel insurance is often the cheapest option. • If you transfer your plans to a new destination check that you can transfer your travel insurance to cover your new trip.
When on the road: • Take all relevant policy documents with you and leave photocopies at home.
• P hotograph your expensive items such as jewellery, handbags or electronic items and make a record of the serial numbers. • S tore images of your valuables to a secure online e-safe along with a scan of your passport. •M ake sure you have the receipts for any highvalue items that you take on your travels. •O nce you’ve packed your bag, check the value of items against your insurance policy. If you need to increase your coverage, call your insurer. • I f you buy something expensive while away, take a photograph and make sure the receipt is stored in a safe location. • T heft of your luggage should be reported to local police and make sure you ask for a police report essential documentation for any insurance claims. •C heck that the safe in your room is actually safe. Many are not bolted in place and can be easily stolen – so check how secure they are before putting all your valuables in there!
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