Travel insurance should always be taken out ahead of a trip to cover anything that could go wrong. Falling ill abroad or having an accident are problems many Britons may worry about while on holiday. The right travel insurance can be a boon at such times – but do you know what steps you should take if medical action is needed? A legal expert has revealed her travel advice for exactly what holidaymakers need to do if they fall ill while away.
The first step you need to take, said Nicole Rogers, a solicitor at DAS Law, is ensure you have your documents to hand.
“Take your travel insurance documents with you and that you have your insurer’s telephone number in a safe place,” said Rogers.
“Also ensure you know what you are and are not covered for and make sure you are aware of any relevant time limits for making a claim.”
You’ll also need to make sure you have the right vaccination for your destination.
“You should seek travel health advice six to eight weeks before your holiday abroad,” said Boots Pharmacist Janky Raja.
“However, even if you’ve booked the trip of a lifetime at the last minute, still make sure to seek advice to help ensure you get the appropriate protection.”
Rogers’ third tip for travel insurance is to provide accurate information to your insurer to avoid disputes regarding cover and possible claims.
She continued: “Where possible, contact your insurer and obtain agreement for treatment. This will not always be possible in an emergency.
“Many European countries give free urgent/A&E treatment if you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
“If it is not possible to obtain agreement, keep any receipts and medical certificates safe.”
Rogers also explained how holidaymakers can claim back medical expenses such as trips to the doctor and medication.
“Firstly, you should ensure that you have the appropriate level of travel insurance and check the small print so that you are aware of the terms of your policy.
“For emergency assistance, you may receive free A&E assistance if you have a European Health Insurance Card. It is important that you consider using this as your insurer may refuse to repay your medical fees if you have an EHIC but did not use it.
“Where possible, you should obtain agreement from your insurer before receiving treatment. Alternatively, you may need to pay for the treatment yourself and claim your expenses back from your insurer.
“You must also ensure that you keep evidence of receipts and medical certificates as your insurer will usually request these.”
Britons heading to Spain are also being encouraged to check what their travel issuance covers amid claims of misleading insurance.
The Spanish Association of Private Hospitals has alleged that some insurers are selling cover with emergency medical assistance without clarifying that customers would only be entitled to treatment at state-run clinics.
If these policyholders are treated in a private facility they will still have to fork out for a large medical bill.
However, Britons can already benefit from free medical treatment at these state-run clinics thanks to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
