Personal injury
I'm an accident abroad solicitor, here is why you need travel insurance.
Considering your next trip abroad? Our experts explore the importance of travel insurance when preparing for a holiday.
Considering your next trip abroad? Planning a holiday is an exciting time and choosing the right destination, what you’ll be doing during the holiday, and how you’re going to get there, are all part of the fun.
It is easy to overlook some of the more important aspect of travelling abroad, like taking out travel insurance, which is absolutely essential when travelling to a foreign destination, or even when holidaying in the UK.
Illness
A lot of people complain of illness during foreign holidays which can be the result of warmer climates, a change in diet, or the heat. Most people make a quick recovery but in some cases, food poisoning, and severe dehydration may mean that medical treatment is needed, and hospitalisation.
Travel insurance policies vary significantly but most will provide medical treatment cover which is essential should you fall unwell during your holiday. Without it, the cost of medical treatment could be significant and may mean you do not receive the treatment you need.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is essential you have travel insurance to cover any medical treatments you may require during your trip abroad. Just keep in mind that you may be required to obtain a specific type of travel insurance specifically for pre-existing conditions.
Injuries and accidents
Unfortunately, there is a risk that yourself or your family member could get injured during your trip. This could be during an excursion or adventure, or even just in day-to-day activities.
With travel insurance, any medical treatments you may require will be covered, such as ambulance fees or hospital expenses. If the injury requires you to be flown home, also known as repatriation, travel insurance can also cover these costs subject to the terms and conditions of the policy you have taken out.
Lost or stolen items
There are various opportunities whilst travelling abroad for items to get lost, in situations that are out of your control. From missing suitcases, personal belongings being stolen, or losing bags on public transport – travel insurance can cover you for any unexpected lost items.
Cancellations or delays
Travel can be disrupted by severe weather conditions, missed connections, staff illness or overbooked flights, causing cancellations or delays to your travel plans.
In these unfortunate circumstances, travel insurance can cover you for any expenses lost and help you figure out how you can still reach your desired destination, such as finding you a new flight or covering (or compensating) hotel costs.
We spoke with Onyinye Ebizie, Solicitor at Slater and Gordon to understand more about the importance of travel insurance and why you should add it to your plan for your next holiday.
Legal Guidance
Onyinye says on the importance of travel insurance, “Travel Insurance is often overlooked, but there's no doubt it should be seen as an essential part of your holiday plans.
“When you suffer an accident, emergency or sudden change of plans on your holiday, it can be a highly stressful situation. Whilst also facing the impact of what has happened, you can feel lost when deciding what to do next and have concerns about additional costs that might be involved.
“Travel insurance alleviates any stresses and offers support to you and your family in such events. One thing to keep in mind is to have a proper read through of each travel insurance policy, not only to understand what it covers, but for your own awareness so you know just what is covered if you are affected by an unfortunate event.
“If you have been injured or suffered an accident abroad, you can reach out to specialist solicitors for legal guidance, even if you have travel insurance, especially if it wasn’t your fault. This is because your travel insurance will not cover a claim for personal injury.
“If the accident is the fault of the Tour Operator, airline carrier or hotel you may be able to claim compensation for the injury you have suffered. Cross Border Litigation Solicitors will have expertise on claims arising from accident abroad and will seek to help you claim compensation for your accident.”
We have a specialist Cross Border Litigation team at Slater and Gordon who can advise and assist on these types of claims.”
Get in touch
If you have experienced an injury or accident abroad, reach out to our team today by emailing Onyinye.Ebizie@slatergordon.uk or call us on 0330 107 5066. Our Cross Border Litigation team are here to help you seek justice.
