Indemnity Insurance, Liability Insurance

If you've established your freelance writing as a business, have you thought about carrying some kind of insurance, such as indemnity insurance or liability insurance? Or, are these phrases Greek to you?

Here are some reasons you may want to carry insurance, along with the different kinds of insurance to look into.

Indemnity Insurance ("Errors and Omissions Insurance") for Freelancers

This kind of insurance is also called professional liability insurance or professional indemnity insurance, and protects you against being sued by clients or former clients claiming that your writing or the product you made was somehow negligent due to an error or accidental omission. This kind of suit would be brought in the civil court system and could cost you a lot of money. Obviously, this would not cover cases that would end up in criminal court! It is an insurance that is similar to the malpractice insurance that doctors hold; it is insurance that covers you and limits your liability while you are in the process of doing your job. This is a type of insurance that is very often carried by consultants and independent contractors. Thursday Bram details some potential scenarios and issues that this kind of insurance typically covers.

Liability Insurance for Freelancers

This is "slip and fall" insurance- that is, it's insurance that covers you were someone to be injured on your premises. Other scenarios include dog bites, etc. Obviously, if you're not having clients or subcontractors visit your house, this may not be an issue. However, bundling insurances together can often lead to a significant discount, and you'll want to be able to invite people to your house in a pinch, so do give this insurance a second look.

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Home Insurance for Freelancers

If you write from a home office, consider checking in with your home insurance agent. You need to make sure that your home insurance also covers your home office and the items inside it. I'm looking at two laptops and a printer that would cost me nearly $5000 to replace were they damaged in a fire or lost in a robbery. Now, I think they're covered under my home owners insurance, but you never know unless you check. What if your insurance requires a rider or a separate policy? You would not want to find that out as you're recovering from a tragic event.

Contents Insurance for Freelancers

Contents insurance is similar to the above, but specifically covers the items in your office (such as the aforementioned laptops).

Auto Insurance for Freelancers

Do you use your vehicle to visit clients, get to meetings or do marketing tasks? Check with your car insurance agent to make sure that these uses are covered under your vehicle insurance.

Business Interruption Insurance for Freelancers

This kind of insurance ensures that you have a consistent income were your business operations interrupted by some type of natural disaster. Arrangements vary, but could save you lots of grief.

Disability Insurance for Freelancers

Freelancers aren't covered by employers like the rest of the working world. Disability insurance ensures that you'll continue to have an income if you were hurt or injured and couldn't write. I found some great deals and low monthly payments on disability insurance at the Freelancers Union.

Health Insurance for Freelancers (and National Insurance)

I have addressed health insurance for freelancers here. The national conversation about health insurance is in a state of change since national insurance requirements are changing, too.

Dental Insurance for Freelancers

I've found some dental coverage options at the Freelance Union website, too. Again, they seem affordable. Also, be sure to check out my articles on freelance health insurance, as these same pools and providers may be helpful in locating dental insurance.

Life Insurance for Freelancers

The Freelance Union says that your valuable, and I'm sure your family feels the same way! Life insurance makes sure that your death isn't an undue burden on your family, and provides them a stream of income to replace yours. The Union has some pretty affordable rates.

Media Insurance for Freelancers

I first learned about media insurance at Women on Writing. It's also called "media perils" insurance. The article describes it as a protection against defamation and libel suits, which certainly seems necessary in this day and age of rating and reviewing everyone online. It notes that, even if you're totally and completely innocent of such charges, the legal fees associated with fighting such charges are astronomical, but covered by this insurance. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Supplemental Insurance for Freelancers

You've seen the AFLAC commercials, right? Upon pursuing the AFLAC website, I've noted that these policies (for indirect costs such as mortgage, bills) are sold to individuals, therefore it's logical that they are available to freelancers. Feel free to poke around their website- they've got life, dental and major illness insurance, too.

About Indemnity Health Insurance Policies

Unlike HMO and PPO health insurance plans, most indemnity policies allow you to choose any doctor and hospital that you wish when seeking health care services. Indemnity plans are considered fee-for-service health insurance plans. This means that you have the freedom to choose your health care services and as long as your services are eligible you will be charged a fee depending on how your policy rules are written. Sometimes indemnity health insurance plans cost more than HMOs and PPOs, but the payoff is the flexibility of choices.

If you have the opportunity to choose an indemnity policy for health insurance, here are five important points to remember:

1. You may have a deductible. The deductible is the amount you are required to pay before policy benefits are provided. If your health care charges are covered, or eligible for payment under the policy, your deductible will apply.

2. After the deductible, you may be required to pay a co-payment. A co-payment is a percentage you pay of the remaining charges after your deductible. For example: If your eligible charges are $800 and you have a $200 deductible, then that leaves $600 left. Say your co-payment is 20%. That means you are still required to pay 20% of the remaining amount of $600, which would be $120.

3. You often have the freedom to choose your doctor, specialist, or hospital with few, if any limitations.

4. Sometimes your options for a doctor, specialist, or hospital are limited by geographic restrictions, or area in which the provider is located.

5. Some indemnity health insurance plans do not cover preventative services. Preventative health care services include yearly check-up exams and other routine office visits that are designed to prevent illnesses. In addition, these services may not count towards your deductible.

Your indemnity policy booklet or your employee benefit booklet will spell out the terms and conditions of what is covered and what is not covered. Read your policy or benefit booklet before you need health care services and ask your health insurance agent, insurance company, or employer to explain anything that is unclear.

What is an Insurance Quote

What is an Insurance Quote ?

An insurance quote is an estimate of what your rate could be with a potential insurance carrier. Quotes are subject to change depending on how much information you give at the time of the quote. The more forthcoming you are with information, the more accurate your insurance quote.

How long does it take to get a car insurance quote?

Getting a single quote should not take much of your time. A lot of factors can affect the amount of time it takes to get an insurance quote. How many drivers and vehicles you have and where you get your quote, can all affect the time it takes to actually get a quote.

Call an insurance agent: You can expect to spend five to ten minutes giving an agent your information. Then it is typical for the agent to call you back with a quote. The call back time can vary from within the hour up to several hours. Your call should be returned on the same day unless you called late in the day. The return phone call will probably take an additional five to ten minutes depending on how many questions you have about the information given to you.

Get a quote online: 15 minutes is advertised as the time it takes to get an insurance quote online. Certainly, the time varies according to your computer skills and how many vehicles you need insurance on. Online quotes require a lot of detailed information in order to get an accurate quote.

How many car insurance quotes should you get?

Three to five insurance quotes should give you a good look at what is available. A quick tip on getting multiple quotes at one time is to utilize independent agents. Independent agents sell insurance through multiple insurance carriers. An independent insurance agent will be able to check with each of its insurance carriers and give you their best rate. Ask an independent agent which companies they quoted you through so you do not get duplicate quotes when calling around.

A couple different online insurance websites give you the opportunity to get quotes from multiple insurance carriers too. You only need to input your information a single time to get quotes from several carriers. Getting multiple quotes at once is a huge time saver regardless if it is from an agent or online.

How do you select the best automobile insurance quote?

Most people pick the best insurance quote based on price. A couple of other things to consider include how efficient the agent was at getting the quote to you and explaining all the information. If you are going the online route, how did you like inputting all of the information on your own? Do you feel comfortable with all the insurance terminology?

Just as important is whether or not the quote has the coverage you need and want. When you are getting quotes on car insurance, you should have each company run the quote a similarly as possible. It is the only way you will know which carrier has the best price for you.

How often should you get automobile insurance quotes?

Getting quotes often is advertised frequently. But, how often should you really be getting insurance quotes? It really depends on your relationship with your insurance agency. If you love your insurance agent and trust them whole heatedly, then maybe you should never shop for a new insurance carrier. There is something to be said for good service.

Sometimes enough is enough when it comes to price though. And, there is nothing to say you can’t find good service somewhere else. If your car insurance premium increases significantly renewal after renewal, it is probably time to start inquiring about new insurance quotes.

To put an actual number on it, you should check around every two to three years unless something is happening to make you unhappy with your current carrier. Getting quotes will give you the information you need to make sure you are still receiving a competitive rate. If the price difference with the new quote is only a little bit cheaper, you should probably stick with what you have.

Automobile insurance quotes are one thing you should be comfortable with as a car owner. Insurance rates are always changing. Checking around for automobile insurance quotes could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

See the other posts for more information about insurance quotes.

Top Ways to Make Your Current Car Insurance Cheaper

• Defensive Driving Course: Some companies give considerable discounts on car insurance for attending defensive driving courses. Check with your state insurance commissioner, insurance company or when obtaining an online insurance quote to see if you could qualify and to find out where to take courses.

• Combine Auto and Home or Renter's Policies: Most insurance companies give a discount if you carry your auto and home or renter's policy with the same company. This discount can be anywhere from 5%-20%!

• Watch Your Credit Rating: Another great tip to get cheap car insurance - keep your credit clean! Yes, a lot of insurance companies are checking your credit and basing your policy on what is found. Make sure you check to see if your credit is in good shape, and if it is not, you may want to seek out companies who do not do credit checks.

• Train Teenage Drivers: Drivers Education can not only give a reasonable discount on your car insurance, as well as good grades. You can report them to your car insurance company every semester.

• Forgo Extra Rental Car Coverage: If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your current vehicle, you might not need rental coverage. You are covered as much on a rental car as you would be on your vehicle. So, if you have a fairly new car you should be OK, but if your car is only worth a few thousand, you should get additional coverage.

• High Risk? Get Help: Whether you are in the process of obtaining an online insurance quote or using a local agent, if you are in a high risk category and when you try to get insurance you either get turned down or cannot afford the ridiculous high premiums, you may want to contact your state insurance commissioner. All states have insurance for high risk individuals who may not be able to obtain insurance elsewhere. The coverage may not be the greatest, but at least it will get you rolling again.

Turn Your Current Car Insurance Into Cheap Insurance

Are you getting cheap insurance for your car? This list will help you obtain cheap car insurance - not cheap in terms of quality but easy on your wallet! Get your car insurance policy and compare your savings with this list to see if you are getting all of the savings you are entitled to, or print it out and use it when getting a new policy or obtaining an online car insurance quote.

Top Ways to Change Your Current Car Insurance into Cheap Insurance:

Get Theft Devices: Most new cars have theft devices. Some are automatic and some have to be started at the touch of a button, but all usually get discounts on car insurance. Also, some states provide extra discounts for such things as window sketching.
Try a Usage Based Auto Insurance Device: Do you want to save money based on your driving habits? You can with a usage based auto insurance device. This device simply plugs into your car and transmits your driving data to your insurance company and your insurance company can base your rates on how good you drive.

Ask for a Multiple Car Discount: Did you know sometimes insuring two cars can be the same price as insuring one? If not the same price, insuring another car usually does not cost as much as you may think. If you have two cars, it is very wise to check with your insurance agent, or while obtaining your online insurance quote, to make sure you can get this discount on your car insurance. Also, if you are planning to sell a second car, the cheap car insurance trick would be to keep that car on just liability to get your multiple car discount. Sometimes people are surprised when they call their car insurance company to take a car off of their insurance, only to find that their price did not go down but possibly increased!

Stick With Yearly Policies: Choosing a yearly policy can extend your savings on your car insurance. Purchasing a yearly policy instead of a six month policy gives you a rate that cannot be changed for one year vs. changing every six months.
Look Into Comprehensive Storage Coverage: If you are planning to store your car for any period of time, you can save on your car insurance by only keeping comprehensive coverage during the storage time. Since the car would be stored, it is very unlikely it will get in a collision or need the liability coverage.

Re-Check Your Mileage: This is a great way to get cheap car insurance: If you are really close to the "miles to work" break-off, you may want to check your mileage closely. When your car insurance company or insurance agent asks you "How many miles do you drive to work one way?" this is a crucial question that will designate you into a particular class. Each class can have significant differences in prices.
Look for a Group Discount: Many companies offer a discount on car insurance for being affiliated with certain organizations. These can range from credit unions, college sororities, or just having a certain credit card. Call your service center and ask them for a list of organization affiliations.
Lower Liability, Comprehensive, Collision, or Medical Payments Coverages: Of course, you can lower your basic coverages but it may just give you the cheap insurance you need right no!. Comprehensive and collision are probably the first to look at lowering by increasing your deductibles on your car insurance. Most vehicles that are on bank loans can have up to a $1000 deductible. Next, lowering your liability and medical payments could help, but only if you are having a hard time paying for your premium and is not recommended for general savings.

Make EFT Payments: Many car insurance companies are now charging up to $5.00 or more for mail payments, but sometimes nothing if you choose to have payments automatically deducted. And, sometimes the deductions can come from your credit card, so you don't have to worry if the money will be in your bank account when payment time comes.

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California’s Automobile Claims Mediation Program

If you have a dispute over a claim with your insurance carrier, you may be able to take advantage of California’s Auto Claims Mediation Program, which provides a way to help settle claim disputes with the assistance of a third-party mediator at no cost to you.

You may be eligible for the program if the dispute with your insurance provider involves:

The extent or amounts of damages.
Methods of repair.
Cause of damage.
Prior damage vs. recent damage.
Total loss.
This is when an insurance company declares your car not repairable and reimburses you the estimated value of the car instead of repairing the car.
Value of a total loss.
You are not eligible for the mediation program if the dispute involves the following issues:

Coverage issues.
Legal interpretations of your policy.
Statute of limitations and contractual limitations on claim filing periods.
Agent or broker actions.
For more information about CA’s Auto Claims Mediation process, visit the CA Department of Insurance website.

Automobile Assigned Risk Plan
The California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP) is a program to help get all drivers properly insured. If you cannot find a car insurance company, due to a poor driving record, you can apply for liability insurance through CAARP.

All California car insurance companies must accept a certain amount of CAARP applicants depending on their share of the market. The higher the amount of standard customers they have, the higher amount of CAARP applicants they must take.

Once you have a clean driving record for a consecutive 3 years, you can purchase your car insurance outside of CAARP.

California at a Glance
Electronic Insurance Cards
California’s Vehicle Code states that if you do not have your car insurance card, you may be able to pull up your insurance information on your smartphone. Several car insurance carriers have smartphone apps that allow you to access an electronic insurance card.

Car Theft In California
California is the car theft capital of America. In 2011, according to a report issued by the California Highway patrol, 156,796 vehicles were stolen, at an estimated cost of one billion dollars.

Car Theft and Your Car insurance Rates
When calculating a policyholder’s insurance rate, many car insurance companies consider the risk of car theft in a given area. Since car theft rates in California are high, you pay a higher rate.

California car theft hurts everyone that has car insurance. By educating yourself about the types of cars and trucks that are stolen and learning simple ways to prevent your car from being stolen, you’re taking positive steps toward keeping car insurance rates low for everyone.

Reporting Accidents
According to the California DMV, every driver will be involved in a car accident at least once in their life, so you should be aware of how to handle such an incident.

When involved in an accident:

Try your best to pull out of traffic and onto a safe spot at the side of the road.
Never flee the scene. You may risk a hit-and-run conviction.
Check for any injuries to anyone involved.
Report the accident immediately if anyone is injured or killed.
Exchange car insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident.
If you are in an accident that causes more than $750 in damages, you must report the accident within 10 days by completing a Traffic Accident Report (Form SR 1).

Cell Phone Use
The CA DMV states that about 10% of drivers use their cell phones while driving.

Even with hands-free devices, studies have shown that cell phone usage is highly distracting.

For safety measures, the state of California has made it illegal to text or use hand-held cell phones while driving. If you are over 18 years old, you may use a hands-free device to make phone calls.

If you must make a call while driving, follow these tips to help you stay safe:

Try to pull off the road when possible.
Do not get involved in emotionally heated discussions.
California law states if you are under 18 years old, you are NOT allowed to use a cell phone for any reason while driving, including texting and making calls this includes a hands free device.

Remember, all violations can affect your car insurance premiums. Stay safe and keep your car insurance rates low.

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California Car Insurance

Are you shopping for affordable car insurance quotes? California insurance companies are required to offer you a good driver’s discount if you have a clean driving record. Read more to learn about California car insurance rates, laws, and programs.

Car Insurance Requirements

California law requires that you have a way to cover costs related to damages or injuries you may have caused in a car accident. Purchasing liability car insurance is the simplest and most common way people choose to meet this requirement.

The minimum amount of liability insurance you must have on your policy is:

$15,000 for injury/death to one person.
$30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
$5,000 for damage to property.
Other Car Insurance Coverage
While liability coverage is the only type of car insurance coverage you are required to carry in California, there are several other types of coverage available to you, including:

Comprehensive coverage – This coverage insures you against damages that might occur to your car that do not involve traffic accidents such as theft-related damage.
Collision coverage – This insures you against damages to your car that occur as a result of a traffic collision such as an accident with another driver.
Medical and funeral services coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage – According to the latest statistics from the California Department of Insurance (CDI), in 2004, 14.43% of California drivers had no car insurance. Uninsured/underinsured coverage can cover damages caused by one of these drivers.
Rental car coverage.
Towing and labor coverage.
Note: Adding comprehensive and/or collision coverage is generally optional. However, if your car is being financed, your lending or leasing company will require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

Other Forms of Financial Responsibility
Buying car insurance is the most common way to fulfill your financial responsibility requirements, but it isn’t your only option.

Other options to meet the requirement include:

A $35,000 cash deposit with the CA DMV.
A Certificate of Self-Insurance from the DMV.
This is only available to you if you own a fleet of at least 25 cars registered to your name.
A surety bond of $35,000 from any company licensed to do business in CA.
Proof of Insurance
You must be able to prove you have auto insurance to register your car or renew your registration. Your insurance company will give you an insurance card that can serve as your proof of insurance. Your car insurance card will have:

Your car’s information.
Make.
Model.
Year.
Safety rating.
Value.
Your name and the name of any other drivers under your car’s policy.
The expiration date of your insurance policy’s term.
You will receive a new card every time you renew your car insurance policy. Most car insurance carriers offer 6-month terms.

Additionally, insurance companies in California are required to electronically report your insurance information to the DMV. The California DMV can use these electronic records to verify that you have car insurance.

health insurance australia

Health insurance explained

This website aims to answer your questions about private health insurance by explaining how it works, and who and what is covered. You can also compare policies from different Health Funds to help you to choose a private health insurance policy that is right for you.

There are many things to consider when looking into private health insurance:

Who is covered?

There are six categories of membership that provide cover for individuals and different family groupings:

Number of people covered    Usually listed as
1 adult    Single
2 adults    Couple
2 adults and dependents(s) - includes child/student dependents    Family
1 adult and dependents(s) - includes child/student dependents    Single parent family
1 adult and any dependents(s) - includes child/student/young adult dependents    Single parent extension
2 adults and any dependents(s) - includes child/student/young adult dependents    Family extension
dependents only (no adults)    Children only
Some funds may require people to be related by birth or in a relationship to be covered under the same policy.

A dependents is an unmarried person under the age of 18 years.

A health fund may choose to consider a person between the ages of 18 and 24 years as a dependents, but will usually require certain conditions to be met for their cover to continue without a change in premiums - for example, the person may have to be a full-time student.

If the person does not qualify as a child or a student, then the fund may still choose to continue their cover as a young adult dependents, in exchange for a higher premium.

These conditions vary between health funds, so check with your fund to see which rules apply to you. See the List of Funds for a list of all the registered health funds in Australia and their contact details.

Health funds may offer cover for some or all categories of membership in one or more states - they do not have to offer cover for all categories. See How health funds work for further information.

What is covered?

In Australia, Medicare provides universal health insurance that delivers affordable, accessible and high-quality health care for citizens and permanent residents. However you can also choose to take out private health insurance to give you more health care options and to cover items which aren't covered on Medicare.

Below is a side by side summary of what is covered by private health insurance and what Medicare covers for hospital, medical services and general treatment, pharmaceutical benefits and ambulance.

Since 2007 funds have also been able to cover a variety of alternatives to hospital treatment, known as Broader Health Cover.

Hospital
Private Cover    Medicare
You can choose to be treated as a private patient in either a public OR a private hospital.
You can choose your own doctor, and decide whether you will go to a public or a private hospital that your doctor attends. You may also have more choice as to when you are admitted to hospital.
If you choose to be treated as a private patient in a hospital (public or private), Medicare will cover you for 75% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for associated medical costs.
You can be treated as a public patient in a public hospital by a doctor appointed by the hospital.
You cannot choose your own doctor and you may not have a choice about when you are admitted to hospital.
You can choose to be treated as a public patient even if you are privately insured.
The remaining hospital and medical costs will be charged to you - some or all of these costs may be covered on your private health insurance, depending on your policy.
The remaining costs include 25% of the MBS fee for doctors' services and any amount the doctors charge above the MBS fee, plus some or all the costs of:
hospital accommodation,
theatre fees,
intensive care,
drugs, dressings and other consumables,
prostheses (surgically implanted),
diagnostic tests,
pharmaceuticals, and
any additional doctor's fees.
As a public patient you will be treated at no charge.
Medicare does not cover:
private patient hospital costs (for example, theatre fees or accommodation),
medical and hospital costs incurred overseas,
medical services which are not clinically necessary, or surgery solely for cosmetic reasons.
For further information please see:
What is covered by Medicare?
What is covered by private health insurance?
Medical Services and General Treatment
Private Cover    Medicare
If you visit a doctor outside a hospital, Medicare will reimburse 100% of the MBS fee for a general practitioner and 85% of the MBS fee for a specialist - this applies whether or not you hold private health insurance. If your doctor bills Medicare directly (bulk billing), you will not have to pay anything.
Medicare does not provide benefits for the following:
most dental examinations and treatment,
most physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, eye therapy, chiropractic services, podiatry or psychology services,
acupuncture (unless part of a doctor's consultation),
glasses and contact lenses,
hearing aids and other appliances
home nursing.
You can arrange private health insurance to cover many of these services.
Medicare provides benefits for:
consultation fees for doctors, including specialists,
tests and examinations by doctors needed to treat illnesses, such as x-rays and pathology tests,
eye tests performed by optometrists,
most surgical and other therapeutic procedures performed by doctors,
some surgical procedures performed by approved dentists,
specific items under the Cleft Lip and Palate Scheme,
specific items under the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program
For further information please see:
What is covered by Medicare?
What is covered by private health insurance?
Pharmaceutical
Private Cover    Medicare
Under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), you pay only part of the cost of most prescription medicines purchased at pharmacies - this applies whether or not you hold private health insurance. The rest of the cost is covered by the PBS. You must present your Medicare card to obtain this benefit.
The amount you pay varies with the medicine, up to a standard maximum. People with concession cards have a lower maximum payment.
You can arrange private health insurance to cover many prescription medicines which aren't listed on the PBS. Most funds will require you to make a co-payment towards the cost and will have limits on how much you can claim.    Some prescription medicines are not listed on the PBS. You pay the full amount for these non-PBS items.
Ambulance
Private Cover    Medicare
In Queensland and Tasmania, emergency ambulance services are provided free by the State Government. New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory provide free ambulance cover for pensioners and low income earners.
If you do not fall into any category above you can arrange ambulance cover from the ambulance authority in your state or with a health fund.    Medicare does not cover the cost of emergency or other ambulance services.

How does it work?

There are two types of private health insurance - hospital policies cover you when you go to hospital, while general treatment policies (sometimes known as ancillary or extras) cover you for ancillary treatment (e.g dental, physiotherapy). Most health funds offer combined policies that provide a packaged cover for both hospital and general treatment services, or you can buy separate hospital and general treatment policies to 'mix and match'.

If you're purchasing cover for the first time or upgrading your plan, you need to serve a waiting period before you can claim your benefits. During the waiting period, you don't receive any benefits for certain treatments or you receive lower benefits for a period of time.

You should also take note of what is and isn't covered on your policy - not all policies are comprehensive. Depending on your level of cover, you may not be fully covered against all costs associated with your treatment and have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses.

You should review your cover from time to time to ensure it still meets your healthcare needs. If the premium has become a concern for you, there are a number of ways you may be able to manage your policy and lower costs. If you already have private health insurance, you can also consider moving to a different fund.

Hospital cover
Hospital policies help cover the cost of in-hospital treatment by your doctor and hospital costs such as accommodation and theatre fees. Generally, any medical services listed under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) can be covered on some form of private hospital insurance. Some services which are not listed on the MBS, such as elective cosmetic surgery or laser eye surgery, are only covered by private hospital insurance to a limited extent or not at all.

Hospital policies fall into four general categories. The classifications are based on the services that are shown as covered, excluded or restricted on standard information statements.

Top Private Hospital Cover - must cover all services where Medicare pays a benefit;
Medium Private Hospital Cover - excludes or restricts one or more of the following but includes any services in the basic classification: Pregnancy and birth related services, Assisted reproductive services, Cataract and eye lens procedures, Joint replacements i.e. shoulder, knee, hip and elbow including revisions, Hip and knee replacements, Hip replacements, Dialysis for chronic renal failure and Sterilisation.
Basic Private Hospital Cover - excludes or restricts one or more of the following: Cardiac and cardiac related services, Non-cosmetic plastic surgery, Rehabilitation, Psychiatric services, Palliative care;
Public Hospital Cover - covers default benefits for treatment in public hospital only.
The classifications do not take into account Hospital treatment for which Medicare pays no benefit (e.g. most cosmetic surgery or other services with are not listed on standard information statements); and do not take into account whether a policy includes an Excess and/or Copayment or benefit limitation period.

For explanations of the medical terms used in the Standard Information Statements, you can refer to the Glossary. For advice on policy exclusions and restrictions, you can refer to the Ombudsman's Factsheet on Exclusions and Restrictions.

Funds generally offer several different policies across these categories, combined with different levels of excess or co-payments.

An excess is amount that you agree to pay towards the cost of hospital treatment, in exchange for lower premiums. You may be required to pay an excess every time you go to hospital, or only the first time, depending on the private health insurance policy you take out. A co-payment is where you agree to pay a set amount for each day you are in hospital, in exchange for lower premiums - for example, you agree to pay the first $50 per day in hospital.

General Treatment cover
General treatment policies (also known as ancillary or extras cover) provide benefits for ancillary services - for example, physiotherapy, dental and optical treatment.

General treatment policies may be offered separately or combined with hospital cover. There are three general categories of policies. The classifications are based on the services that are shown as covered on standard information statements.

Comprehensive Cover - must include cover for General dental, Major dental (benefit limit must be average or above average for the industry), Endodontic, Orthodontic (benefit limit must be average or above average for the industry), Optical, Non-PBS Pharmaceuticals, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Psychology;
Medium Cover - must include cover for General dental, Major dental, Endodontic AND any five of the following: Orthodontic, Optical, Non-PBS Pharmaceuticals, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Podiatry, Psychology, Hearing aids;
Basic Cover - all other policies.
For explanations of the medical terms used in the Standard Information Statements, you can refer to the Glossary

Combined cover
Many health funds offer packaged policies that provide cover for both hospital and general treatment services. Some funds have pre-packaged policies, while others allow you to mix and match hospital and general treatment options. For example, you may be able to select a basic hospital cover and a comprehensive general treatment policy to create your own combined package.

What government incentives and surcharges affect my insurance?

The Australian Government provides the Private Health Insurance Rebate to encourage people to take out and maintain private health insurance. Most people are eligible for a 30% rebate on their insurance costs.

If you purchase hospital cover after the 1st of July following your 31st birthday, you will have to pay the Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading on top of your premium. The loading increases for every year you are aged over 30.

You can check to see if you need to pay the LHC loading and how much it may be by using the Lifetime Health Cover calculator.

If you are not covered by a private hospital insurance policy and you earn above a certain income threshold, you may have to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge when you lodge your tax return.

Overseas visitors and students

If you are visiting Australia and hold a temporary visa you should consider taking out Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC). If you need to visit a doctor or stay in hospital while you are here you could find yourself responsible for the full cost of treatment, which can be very expensive.

In some cases you may be required to take health insurance as part of your visa conditions. If you are applying for a Visa Subclass 457 or Visa Subclass 485, you are required to have a minimum level of health insurance and to maintain it for the duration of your stay in Australia. Students in Australia who hold a temporary student visa may be required, as a visa condition, to take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Visitors (but not students - see OSHC) from United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Norway, Slovenia, Malta and Italy may apply for Medicare benefits under Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Australia. They may be able to receive immediate necessary medical treatment in the public health system, but aren't otherwise entitled to benefits and should still consider taking out OVHC.

If you are a recent migrant to Australia with permanent residency or you have applied for permanent residency, you are generally eligible to join Medicare and gain immediate access to health care services. You can also purchase residents' private health insurance.

What type of cover should I purchase?
Visa type
Health insurance type
Student visa
Overseas Student Health Cover will meet your visa requirements.
457 visa
457-compliant Overseas Visitors Health Cover will meet your visa requirements.
485 visa
485-compliant Overseas Visitors Health Cover will meet your visa requirements.
Any visa with condition 8501
457- or 485-compliant Overseas Visitors Health Cover will meet the visa requirements for health insurance requirement Condition 8501. Other types of Overseas Visitors Health Cover or international cover may also meet requirements.
Any other visa
If you don’t have any form of Medicare benefits or you have reciprocal Medicare benefits, you can purchase Overseas Visitors Health Cover from an Australian or international insurer;
If you have a blue (interim) or green (full) Medicare card, you can purchase Australian residents' private health insurance.

Tips on health insurance for visitors
Benefits, membership costs and eligibility can vary greatly between funds and insurance policies. When buying any health insurance take care to ensure the cover you select is suitable for your needs.

Make sure that you are aware of the waiting periods of the policy you purchase. Most insurers will impose a 12 month waiting period for cover on pre-existing conditions, and some will not cover them at all.  Because OVHC policies generally commence when you arrive in Australia, illnesses that develop while you are travelling to Australia are usually considered to be pre-existing ailments.
Check the restrictions and exclusions of the policy. Not everything will be covered in full and some items may not be covered at all. Remember that hospital costs for overseas visitors, even in a public hospital, are generally higher than $1,000 per day.
Consider taking out the highest level of hospital cover you can afford. You can choose to pay a higher excess if you do require treatment rather than having a restriction to save money on premiums.
Check how much your policy will cover for pharmacy as most policies only have limited cover and will not adequately cover high-cost drugs such as those used as chemotherapy drugs in cancer treatment, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
If your visa status or Medicare eligibility changes inform your fund as soon as possible. Check with them that your policy is still suitable, as you may be able to swap to a residents' policy.
Keep your policy paid & up to date. If your policy falls behind in payments, your fund may refuse claims or cancel your membership.
If you're anticipating treatment, contact your fund and find out whether you will be covered and how much you will need to pay yourself. If you need treatment which isn't covered by your insurer, ask the service provider to find out how much you will need to pay out of your own pocket. If possible, ask for a written quote.

Mesothelioma Law Firm

 

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium –– a thin layer of tissue that covers most of our internal organs. In most cases, the tissue surrounding the lungs is affected. However, cases have been reported in which other body organs are affected with this condition. This form of cancer is very aggressive and often proves fatal if it is malignant Mesothelioma.

Know the Risk Factors

Although several materials can possibly cause this disease, mesothelioma is primarily attributed to exposure to asbestos as reported by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry of the CDC. Furthermore, Asbestos has been classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a human carcinogen.

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing malignant Mesothelioma. The latency period for the disease is reported to be around 20 to 40 years. So exposure to asbestos can go unnoticed for decades. Hence, mesothelioma cases are diagnosed years after the first exposure to asbestos occurs. In a study conducted by the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), annual multiple-cause-of-death records were analyzed for the period from 1999 to 2005. It was found that a total of 18,068 deaths were reported because of malignant Mesothelioma.

Who should be concerned?

Asbestos is imported into the United States and was even mined in the country during the 20th century. In the US, the use of asbestos peaked in 1973 when it amounted to 803,000 metric tons before declining to 1,700 metric tons in 2007. Industrial workers employed in settings such as manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding prior to 1980s are the ones who are at most risk, as federal safety regulation was not in place at the that time. Exposure continues to occur today because of the demolition of buildings in which asbestos was used during construction.

Steps to Take in Case Of Asbestos-Exposure Related Mesothelioma

After taking into consideration several research findings, exposure to asbestos has been singled out as the main cause of Mesothelioma in most cases. This exposure affects individuals differently. Several factors are involved, including concentration, frequency and duration of exposure as well as the shape, size and chemical makeup of the fibers that determine your chances of contracting Mesothelioma.

It is natural to feel concerned about Mesothelioma if you have experienced chronic exposure to asbestos. Doctors recommend that such people should get regular CT scans or chest x-rays. They must also get lung function tests as these tests can detect problems caused by asbestos fibers. If any problems are detected, you should obtain a professional Mesothelioma diagnosis. In the unfortunate event of being diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you have the grounds for filing a lawsuit. A Mesothelioma law suit can help you claim compensation for the additional costs borne in dealing with this disease as well as for the resulting emotional distress and trauma.

Why choose a Mesothelioma Law firm

The dangers associated with asbestos exposure have been known to the Asbestos manufacturers for decades. Victims of the disease rightly feel that they should have been warned about these dangers and so undue hardships both for the victims and their families could have been avoided. Treatment plans are often tailored to the patient’s needs so the medical expenses incurred because of the disease vary from person to person and are often considerable.

If you feel that you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma and have also been exposed to asbestos fibers during their lives, you will typically be eligible for filing a lawsuit and claim compensation for any treatment related expenses, as well as for the pain and suffering caused by this disease. The litigation process involved is quite complex. So it is better to hire the services of a Mesothelioma law firm that has the time as well as the resources to tackle investigations specific to your case.

Student travel insurance

If you are a student planning a long summer trip abroad, or even a gap year between studies, then insurance is probably the last thing on your mind. But travel cover is essential whether you are heading to Europe for a few weeks or venturing further afield for several months.

Of course, you might think you can set off without student travel insurance, especially if you are young and fit with few valuables in your back pack. But could you really afford to replace your iPod, camera and holiday cash if they were stolen? And remember that medical treatment abroad can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Do I need an EHIC?

Anyone travelling within Europe should apply for a European Health Insurance Card, which entitles the holder to the same emergency care as a local resident. But the EHIC is not a substitute for student holiday insurance, as local care is not always free and not always of a high standard. The EHIC also does not cover repatriation to the UK in a medical emergency.

Check the levels of cover

It's not always easy to work out how much cover you need. But MoneySupermarket recommends that your student travel insurance should include medical cover of at least £2m, in case you fall ill while you are away. You should also make sure your insurance includes the cost of an air ambulance in case you need to be flown home.

Personal liability insurance of £1m is essential. Plus cancellation and curtailment cover of at least the value of the trip. Insurance for your baggage and personal belongings will pay out if, for example, your backpack is lost, stolen or damaged. But check the single item and valuables limit as most firms cap the amount that you can claim for one item. There will also be a limit on the amount you can claim for lost or stolen cash.

Catastrophe cover protects travellers against the financial repercussions of a disaster such as the recent volcanic ash clouds. It's also sensible to find a policy that includes end supplier failure in case the airline or travel company goes bust.

Travel insurers offer European or worldwide cover. European cover is typically cheaper, but you should always check whether your destination is classed as European as definitions can vary.

Single trip or annual cover?

Students can usually buy single trip or annual travel insurance. As its name suggests, a single trip policy covers just one trip, usually up to a maximum of 31 days. If you buy an annual policy, you can go away several times in any one year without having to arrange insurance each time. It's worth comparing prices for both types of policy, but as a general rule, if you plan two or more trips a year, or you are heading long haul, then an annual policy usually works out cheaper.
Gap year travel insurance

If you are planning a gap year, you will need a policy that lasts as long as your trip. A variety of insurers offer cover for backpackers and it can run for a year or more. You should also check that your policy covers every destination on your journey, even if you are only passing through.

Extreme sports

Many students undertake extreme sports or adventurous activities while they are away. Of course, they are great fun, but they can also be risky, so it's essential that your policy will pay out if you have an accident while you are white water rafting or wrestling with alligators. You will find a list of insured activities in the policy documents, but if in doubt, ask your insurer.

Working abroad

Some travellers work while they are abroad, perhaps to help fund the trip. Gap year travel insurance typically covers employment overseas, but manual work is often excluded. Again check with your insurer if you have any questions. Many insurers will also allow one or two return trips home under your policy, which can be useful if you get homesick, or perhaps need to break off from your travels for a family wedding or other occasion.

Take care of yourself

It's important to remember that a student travel insurance policy is not a licence to go mad: you still have to take care of yourself and your possessions. Few insurers will, for example, pay out if your bag is stolen from the beach while you are supping in a nearby bar. And talking of bars, insurers can refuse to pay a claim if you were under the influence of drink or illegal drugs at the time of the incident.
Save money on student travel insurance

Probably the easiest way to cut the cost of your student travel insurance is to compare prices. MoneySupermarket's free independent comparison service can help you to find the best policy at the best price - all within minutes.

Student travel insurance can cost less than £10 for a single trip in Europe. But remember that the cheapest policy is not necessarily the best as the cover could be patchy, or the claim limits could be low. It's also worth finding out about the excess, which is the amount you have to pay towards each claim. You often pay a lower premium if you agree to a higher excess. But if you can't afford the excess, why bother with the insurance?

Essential documents

Insurance is not the only essential travel document. You should also make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your return date, plus any necessary visas. You can get advice from the Identity & Passport Service website.

Always keep your passport safe and make a note of the number, date and place of issue in case it is lost or stolen. It's also a good idea to take with you a back-up form of identification, such as a driving licence.

Tips for a successful trip

Visit your GP as soon as possible so that you can organise any jabs or stock up on malaria tablets. If you are taking any prescribed medicine with you, make sure it is legal in the countries you plan to visit. And always keep it safe and in its original packaging.

Set up a secure email account so that you can regularly keep in touch with friends and family.

Book your accommodation for at least the first night to give you time to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings.

Stay away from drugs as the penalties for the possession or supply of drugs can be harsh in some countries.

Wear a high factor sun screen and avoid over exposure to the sun, especially during the middle of the day. And drink plenty of water.

Stomach upsets can ruin a holiday, so take sensible precautions. Find out if the local tap water is safe to drink and check that all food is properly cooked.

It's a good idea to take condoms with you because they are not always readily available abroad and might not meet British quality standards.

What to pack

Keep clothes and valuables to a minimum but try to find space for the following items in your luggage:

• First aid kit
• Mosquito net
• Insect repellent
• Water bottle
• Water purification tablets
• Universal adaptor
• Travel plug
• Wet wipes and hand gel for hygiene
• Travel sewing kit
• Small padlock
• List of useful contact numbers

Ski Travel Insurance

An adequate travel insurance policy is an important purchase for any trip away and a ski holiday is no exception. Due to the nature of a skiing holiday it is important to purchase a specialist cover designed to protect you both on and off the piste.

Purchasing ski travel insurance will provide you with both the standard level of insurance you would usually take out when going on holiday, such as cover against theft and loss of luggage and delay and cancellation, however it will also give you the additional cover required for the extra expenses associated with a skiing holiday.

Our price comparison tool will enable you to search and compare a large selection of UK travel insurance companies and help you to find the best ski travel insurance deal for your individual requirements.

What does a ski holiday insurance policy include?

It comes as no surprise that a skiing holiday usually carries more risks than any other type of holiday but why is it so important to take out a specialist ski insurance policy rather than just standard travel insurance?

The chances of injuring yourself skiing compared with lying on a beach are of course much greater and the cost of an on piste rescue and the treatment of broken bones can run into thousands, most ski travel insurance policies will cover for such events.

Likewise the cost of the equipment used when skiing whether hired or owned can be expensive, ski insurance will provide the adequate level of cover for your belongings in case of loss or theft, policies will also provide you cover for smaller items such as loss of ski passes.

It is always important to check when purchasing ski insurance that your policy will provide you with the adequate level of cover for your specific needs.

Which ski travel insurance policy is right for me?

When choosing your policy consider the length of time the insurance is required for, whether it is just a short break on the slopes or a lengthy trip for the season and where you are travelling to, the level of cover required will differ between the UK, Europe and further afield to long haul destinations.

Always ensure you check the policy will include everything you want to do whilst you are there, many people are not aware but there is cover designed specifically for snowboarding holidays, if you intend to do more of this than skiing, snowboarding travel insurance may be more suitable for you.

Likewise if you prefer to enjoy a more general kind of winter holiday which may include a variety of different sports a winter sports travel insurance may be more suitable for you to give you a more all round level of cover.

It is also worth keeping in mind that particularly dangerous activities such as off-piste skiing may not be covered in standard policies and a more comprehensive policy will need to be taken out if you are planning on taking part in the more adrenaline fuelled winter sports.

Saving money on ski travel insurance

The most important factor when choosing your policy is to ensure it has the right cover levels for you, whilst it might be tempting to go for the cheapest policy available it is important the policy comes with an excess level you can afford to pay. Whilst this may prove the cheapest option at the outset, an excess that is too high can prove costly when you return home should something go wrong.

Compare a number of different policies based upon the level of cover you require as well as their cost effectiveness to enable you to get the best deal whilst ensuring you have the peace of mind that should something happen whilst you are away you are adequately protected.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

If travelling once or twice per year, single trip cover can be a cost effective solution when it comes to making sure you are covered for a variety of eventualities.

Our comparison tool will allow you to compare policies from a wide variety of UK travel insurance companies and you can tailor the policy to your individual requirements by including extras such as winter sports, holiday money and baggage cover.

As the name suggests, single trip cover will give you the protection you need for one particular trip, and cheap single trip policies start from under £10 when purchased for a typical seven day holiday.

What does single trip travel insurance cover?

With a single trip policy you'll usually be covered for a combination of eventualities, this can include: injury & illness, holiday cancellation, public liability, loss of baggage, theft of holiday money & possessions and emergency repatriation.

A comprehensive insurance policy will usually also give you access to a 24 hour manned emergency telephone number to ensure any claim is resolved quickly and efficiently.

Cover can be arranged for the exact number of days you require and is suitable for a single person or a couple.

What cover levels should I look for?

When searching for single trip deals, it's important to make sure you find a policy with the features and cover levels you need at a competitive price. Choosing a policy based on price alone can lead to you missing out on valuable cover in important areas.

We recommend that you aim to get the following minimum levels of cover when running quotes to find a single trip holiday insurance policy:

Medical cover of at least £2million (aim for £3-4million when travelling to the USA). This should also include the cost of an air ambulance back to the UK.

Personal liability cover in the region of £1 million.

Cancellation cover equal to or higher than the value of your holiday to ensure you can recoup the cost should the unexpected occur. This should also cover pre-paid excursions and activities you've booked so don't forget to include these in the total value.

Cover is usually sold on a per person basis so you would need £1,500 worth of cover each if the total value of your holiday came to £3,000.

Baggage and personal belongings cover should cover the cost of replacing the personal items you are bringing with you. Expensive digital cameras and laptops can exceed the single item limit on some policies as it is common for insurers to cap the amount you can claim on any one item.

How can I save money on single trip insurance cover?

It is important to remember that cheap single trip travel insurance may not always give you the cover level you need and you will usually find that the excesses you would need to pay in the event of a claim can be higher on a cheaper policy.

To get a great deal on your travel cover when browsing through single trip insurance quotes, it's best to compare a number of policies to ensure you can get a good combination of price vs. cover levels and then narrow the search down to a couple of prospective policies.

If you travel three or more times a year, a single trip policy is unlikely to be the most cost effective solution to your insurance needs and you should consider an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy.

If you are travelling with your family, purchasing a number of single trip policies may not be the best option. Instead, you should look for family holiday insurance which could save you some money in the process and may include extras such as additional baggage cover.

Likewise, if you plan to travel with a group, you should investigate a group travel insurance policy as this may present the best value for money solution and you can usually add extras such as cover for water sports and skiing.

Possible exclusions

In common with the majority of travel insurance products, you may find that dangerous activities - such as winter sports, climbing, bungee jumping and diving - are not covered under the standard terms and conditions of a policy.

In many cases a claim can be rendered void if the insurer finds out that the policy holder was inebriated or under the influence of illegal drugs at the time of an accident.

Short Stay Travel Insurance

We all like escaping overseas on holiday, but with household budgets stretched to their limits, you may be looking for ways to keep costs down. While travel insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense, you can't afford to cut corners, as you risk leaving yourself financially exposed on trips abroad.

The cost of medical treatment overseas can be extortionate, and particularly if you have to be repatriated - making it false economy to go without cover.

The good news is, there are steps you can take to keep costs down, and one of the simplest ways is to purchase short stay travel insurance, rather than annual or multi-trip cover, as it is usually cheaper.

What is short term travel insurance?

Short stay travel insurance, also known as single trip insurance, can be a useful product if you are looking for cover for a particular trip.

With some policies, the trip doesn't even have to be just for a couple of days, as policies can stretch up to 31 days' coverage for one break. Unlike multi-trip policies which usually cover travel anywhere in the world, short term holiday insurance tends to cover a specific destination - so is cheaper.

But short stay travel insurance still offers you complete coverage - giving you peace of mind while you're overseas

Travel Insurance for Older travelers

Older travellers, and particularly those over 65, may find it difficult to get travel insurance at an affordable level because insurers view these individuals as being higher risk.

Generally speaking, short-term holiday insurance or single trip policies are more cost-effective for these travellers, especially as many insurers place an age limit on annual policies.

Short Stay Cover for Frequent travelers

While short stay holiday insurance policies are the cheaper form of cover, if you travel abroad more than three times a year, buying annual, multi-trip cover is likely to be better value - and especially if one of the trips is long haul.

Getting cover each time for three trips a year could cost around 15% more than using annual cover.

Annual policies tend to provide greater levels of cover, particularly for medical expenses, baggage and cancellation - as well as covering more destinations - but this will be reflected in the price.

Buying a Short Stay policy

When buying short term holiday insurance, you need to shop around, comparing the cost and levels of cover from a range of providers; the best deals tend to be available online.

Generally speaking, there are savings to be made by choosing the best deal from an independent provider, rather than accepting the standard deal from your travel agent.

With a short term travel medical insurance policy, you need to think about how many days you need the cover to last for, and check the limits placed on each type of claim.

To ensure you get the right type and level of cover for your trip, you need to focus on identifying the features you need from a policy, such as whether winter sports cover is included if you're heading for the slopes.

Price is important, but you should not buy on price alone, as this could end up being the most expensive option if the policy doesn't provide adequate cover.

Remove extras you don't need

If you are looking to keep costs down, you could think about removing extraneous costs from your premium. For example, while cancellation cover can provide considerable benefit should you be unable to travel after booking your holiday, there's no point paying for a policy with more cancellation cover than you need.

Also check whether you already have cover for personal belongings with your home insurance, as this may mean you require less baggage cover with your travel insurance.

Repatriation

Repatriation is defined as, 'the process of returning a person back to one's place of origin or citizenship.' This could mean a refugee, or a solider coming back from war. But it could equally apply to a holiday-maker who has suffered a serious illness or accident while abroad and needs to be brought back to their native country as they are unable to go under their own steam.

Repatriation insurance?

But, whether you are travelling within Europe or to far-flung corners of the globe, you won't need to buy specific 'repatriation insurance' for this unfortunate event. This is because repatriation is already covered under all standard travel insurance policies. Usually you will find repatriation under the medical emergency expenses section of the terms and conditions.

Cover for repatriation

Pay out limits on repatriation cover will vary between insurers and even between different kinds of policies with the same insurer. For example, a cheap backpackers policy may carry less repatriation cover than specialist adventure sports insurance.

But, on first glance, all levels of repatriation cover appear eye-wateringly high. Standard cover limits for repatriation is usually around £5million but cover could be up to £10million.

However, it is recommended that, when shopping around for your travel insurance repatriation cover, limits should be at least £1million.

Repatriation costs

So why are repatriation costs so high? Firstly, you may not be able to come home via scheduled airline services. A specialist air ambulance may have to be deployed instead - all the way back to the UK. You might also require specialist medical equipment and potentially one or more medical escorts.

This is not to mention the expenses you may have incurred at the destination you left behind such as rescue helicopters and/or water ambulances - as well the services of any medical teams or healthcare.

Who decides if I will be repatriated?

Travel insurers would clearly prefer not to fork out millions of pounds on your repatriation back to the UK. However, to put it brutally, it will be a lot more expensive for the insurer if you die.

Your case will therefore be assessed in detail by a specialist team at the travel insurers who will decide if and when you should be repatriated home.

Depending on the facilities and level of care available in the country in which you became sick or had a serious accident, it might be that you are repatriated immediately to the UK to seek treatment and recover.

However, it may equally be that it is medically unsafe for you to travel. This is usually established by way of an authorisation note from a doctor who is treating you in that country
Shopping around for repatriation

Repatriation cover comes as standard in every travel insurance policy, but when you are shopping around for the best deal, keep an eye on the level of cover it offers. Although it might seem a lot on first glance, if the worst comes to the absolute worst, you or your family could be left with a very expensive shortfall.

A few extra pounds in premiums when buying your policy could prove to make a world of difference to the rest of your life.

Travel Insurance For Pregnant Women

It is always important to purchase a travel insurance policy when taking a holiday, but when it comes to travelling during a pregnancy it is even more crucial to have cover in this area.

If you've decided to get away from it all and have some time to relax before the birth of your child, sourcing a competitive travel insurance quote should be one of your top priorities to ensure you are covered for a variety of eventualities and give you that all important peace of mind.

As with any insurance product, the level of cover you receive and the exclusions written in the small print will vary greatly from insurer to insurer, so it is advisable to read through the terms and conditions of any prospective pregnancy travel insurance policy.


Will travel insurance allow me to travel up to full term?

The answer to this question is usually no, the majority of insurance companies will provide cover up until roughly the 28th week of your pregnancy (around 7 months). Travelling after 30 weeks carries a higher risk of a pre-term birth and is not usually recommended.

Some insurers will cover you to travel later into the pregnancy than others, but you will often find that they stipulate you need return at least 8 weeks before your due date.

If you are travelling by air, it is important to check with the carrier to see what their rules specify regarding a safe travel timeframe for pregnant women. This varies from airline to airline and you could find you are not allowed to board the aircraft if you don't confirm this in advance. It is also likely you wouldn't be covered by your travel insurance if this were to be the case.

A few insurers have now started offering cover up to full term in a pregnancy but this again depends on the airline also giving their permission for you to fly.

If you are expecting a multiple birth, it is a good idea to check with the insurer before purchasing the policy as not all companies offer cover for this.


What is covered under this policy?

Pregnancy travel insurance is largely similar to standard holiday insurance in that it covers medical, public liability, lost luggage and cancellation (basic cover can vary from policy to policy so check the small print) and any extras you wish to add at the time of purchase.

It is also common to receive enhanced medical cover when purchasing a dedicated pregnancy travel insurance policy and you may find you are covered for emergency repatriation in the event of a medical emergency. MoneySupermarket can help you to find a competitive quote on a standard travel insurance policy, but you will need to contact the insurer directly to upgrade your policy to include enhanced pregnancy cover (may vary from insurer to insurer).

Saving money is important when expecting a baby, so it's understandable that you might want to look for a cheap insurance policy. However, you might receive lower cover levels and you could face higher excess payments in the event of a claim, so check the terms and conditions of a prospective policy before committing to a purchase.

To find out more about the minimum recommended cover levels in each area, please take a look at our travel insurance guide.


Advice for travelling during pregnancy

A well deserved break can be just what the doctor ordered during a pregnancy, but it's important to plan ahead to make sure the holiday runs smoothly and that stress levels are kept to a minimum.

Before travelling, you should consider the following:

Travelling by air: The risk of developing blood clots in the veins of the legs during a flight (or when remaining stationary on a long car journey) increases when pregnant, so it's important to regularly get up and move around as much as possible. You should aim to do so for around 15 minutes of every hour.

Vaccinations: It's best practice to avoid travelling to high risk destinations as the use of a vaccine may not be safe during pregnancy. Malaria also poses a high risk to pregnant women so you should avoid malarious areas (please talk to your doctor if you need further advice in this area).

Avoid strenuous activities: It's important to stay active and healthy when pregnant, but you should avoid heavy exercise and activities such as riding theme park rollercoaster's, scuba diving and travelling to high altitude destinations as each of these can pose a risk to your unborn baby.

Eating well whilst on holiday: You'll probably find that you tire much more easily and become hungry more quickly when pregnant, so it's important to take plenty of healthy snacks with you - such as cereal bars and dried fruit - to avoid feeling sick or faint and keep those energy levels up.

Equally important is hydration so make sure you drink plenty of water, taking regular sips to ensure you stay topped up.


Is it easy to get a quote?

Yes, getting a travel insurance quote should only take a few minutes and you only need to fill in a few details to start the ball rolling.

You'll need to enter the destination you are travelling to, the dates you'll be travelling between, along with your date of birth and select any extras you want on the policy and you'll then be able to proceed to the results page.

Once there you can filter results by cover level in the areas of baggage, cancellation and medical expenses and decide on the excesses you wish to pay should you need to make a claim.

After doing this, all that remains is to choose a travel insurance deal best suited to your requirements at a competitive price. To make sure you have adequate pregnancy cover included in your policy (or to enhance cover levels) you will need to check the small print of the policy you have chosen and contact the insurer directly to amend the policy if necessary.

Policy Types

When planning for your next holiday abroad, travel insurance can sometimes be the last thing on your mind. It's common for this travel cover to be a last minute purchase, and opting for the right policy when there are so many choices can seem like a difficult decision.

This page will help you to understand the different policy types on offer so you can choose the right cover for your next trip.

Do I need travel insurance?

Whilst purchasing travel insurance is not compulsory, it is certainly advisable. It's easy to adopt the attitude 'it won't happen to me', but you could regret the decision if something does go wrong on your holiday and you are faced with expensive medical bills.

If you are planning a trip by yourself, with your partner, family or your friends - even in the UK - then travel insurance can help to give you peace of mind that you will be covered in the event that something goes wrong.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance protects you in a variety of ways, such as compensating you if your flight gets delayed or cancelled, if your luggage gets lost, or if you have expensive items such as cameras or laptops stolen whilst you are on holiday. Also, if you end up being treated in hospital or need to have a medical evacuation back to the UK, these costs will also usually be covered.

Cover can vary from insurer to insurer and with the many different policy types, but a comprehensive product will usually provide you with cover for the following: medical treatment, emergency repatriation, theft, cancellation, loss of baggage and public liability.

Many insurers will also allow you to 'bolt on' extra cover if it isn't included in their standard remit so this is worth looking into if you need extra cover in a certain area.

What different policy types are there?

There are many different types of policy to choose from depending on your circumstances, such as; the length of your trip, who you will be travelling with, how old you are, and what activities you will take part in whilst abroad.

Let's take a look at the different policies on offer:

Single Trip Travel Insurance

This policy will only cover you for, as the name suggests, a single trip. It can be used to cover an individual, a couple or a family by purchasing a policy before each trip. However, it can sometimes be a more expensive way to get insurance for your holiday, depending on how often you go away and how many of you will be travelling.

Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance

If you purchase annual or multi trip travel insurance, you will be covered for going away a multitude of times under the policy, so this cover can often work out cheaper if you plan to travel 2 or more times per year.

The total number of trips you will be covered for will depend on the policy terms and conditions, but many insurers impose no limit on an annual policy.

The policy will usually last for a period of 12 months, but there may be a limit on how long you can spend abroad in one go; this is usually a maximum of 90 days.

Worldwide Travel Insurance

It is possible to get travel cover just for Europe if you wish, and this can be cheaper than a worldwide travel insurance policy. But if you are going further afield, such as America or Australia and New Zealand, you will need to get worldwide cover.

The difference in the two policy types stems from how expensive it is to get medical treatment in both the USA and Australasia, as there are some agreements in place within the European Union that keep costs down for travellers if they need medical treatment.

Worldwide cover may also suitable for a gap year or backpacking trip if it is taken as an annual policy.

Winter Sports Travel Insurance

If you want to go skiing, snowboarding, sledging or anything else that involves the white stuff, you need to get specialist winter sports cover.

Normal insurance will not usually allow you to claim if you have an accident when you are taking part in winter sports, as it is common for insurers to add an exclusion for this. This is because there is a greater chance that you will be injured and need to make a claim. Having a helicopter medivac you from the side of a mountain is not cheap, so you will have to pay a higher premium to cover this eventuality.

It's also likely that you have a lot of expensive equipment that will need to be covered when you take part in winter sports, and this policy type usually makes provision to cover this in the unlikely case that it lost or stolen.

Backpackers Insurance

Backpackers and students on a gap year trip will usually be abroad for a long period of time, usually between six and 18 months, and they may well be working as they move from one country to the next to finance their travel. Because of this, traditional travel insurance will not usually suffice for backpackers.

Insurers will consider your age, the time you are likely to be away and your travel plans, to provide a plan that is tailored to your particular needs. It's important to make sure everything you need is covered within the policy before you leave, as you could easily invalidate your cover by travelling to a destination that is listed as an exclusion.

Another bonus with backpackers insurance is that cover is often included for a variety of activities that a standard policy would not otherwise cover; do check the small print to confirm this.

Visit the backpackers travel insurance page to find out more.

Family Travel Insurance

A family travel insurance policy could work out cheaper if you are travelling with your partner and children as it takes the hassle and expense out of having to buy a separate policy for each of those travelling.

Family cover sometimes offers increased cover in certain areas and some insurers also offer free cover for the under 18's in the party, so it is definitely worth looking out for this.

Family travel insurance guide.

Group Travel Insurance

Likewise, if you are travelling in a party with your friends, such as on a stag or hen weekend, rather than opting for separate cover, it may be cheaper to opt for a group travel policy.

This will cover several of you to travel under one policy as long as you are travelling from the same country of origin and may also include extra cover for typical activities that you might take part in when travelling with a group.

To read more on the topic, visit our group travel page.

Over 65s Travel Insurance

Some travel insurers may refuse you cover when you have reached age 65, and it is common for the average premium to go up as you get older. Due to this, it is possible to get dedicated cover for those over the age of 65 from specialist insurers.

The reason for this change of heart is largely down to the fact that, as you get older, you are more likely to suffer ill-health, and being taken ill abroad is expensive for the company providing your travel insurance policy.

You will find that your premiums naturally rise to some extent as you get older, and to get over 65 travel insurance you will probably find that you have to pay over the odds. This is why it is essential to compare the policies available to get the best deal you can.

One way travel insurance

In the vast majority of cases when looking for travel insurance, you will need cover for an outward-bound journey and an inward-bound one. In this case it's easy to compare regular travel insurance deals online and find the level of cover you need at the cheapest price.

However, in some rare and exciting circumstances, travellers might just be looking for one way travel insurance as they are not heading back to the UK.

So what does this involve?

What is one-way travel insurance?

As it says on the tin, one way travel insurance covers you for just an outward-bound journey that you make from the UK.

This could be for reasons such as emigrating to live your life in another part of the world with a few stop-offs planned along the way. Alternatively, you may be returning to the country of your origin having spent years living in the UK. Or it might simply be that you plan to come back to the UK but you are not sure of your return date.

In any case, you will need to opt for one way travel insurance.

Can I get one way travel insurance?

Most standard travel insurance deals you will come across when shopping online, apply to traditional holidays or trips that will eventually land you back in the UK.

However most of these standard travel policies can also be taken as one way trip, so long as you contact the insurer and request it. It's always a good idea to get this part of the agreement in writing and have a print out to take with you.

How does one way cover work?

But just like with single trip or annual policies, that will cover you out of the UK and back again, travel insurance for one way trips comes with a time limit by which you should have arrived at your final destination.

Typically maximum cover for one way trip insurance, will last no more than a week from the point of leaving the UK. Bear in mind that cover will cease at the end of this timeframe so it's a good idea to build in some emergency room in case your travel is delayed or you change your plans.

If you take less time than the maximum stated on your policy, cover will automatically lapse 24 hours after arriving at your destination.

What's the difference between one-way travel cover and annual policies?

One way trip insurance is different from annual (or 'multi-trip') travel insurance as this provides cover for individual trips for a period of 12 months - but only if they start from and return to the UK.

One way travel insurance is also different to backpacker (or 'gap year' policies) which cover you for one extended trip to different countries for up to 12 months. But again, ultimately you must be starting from and returning to the UK and be a UK resident.

Motorcycle Travel Insurance

It is hard enough travelling on UK roads, where you will be familiar with which direction the traffic is coming from and the way that Brits drive. Trying to travel around, say, Rome on a moped might be appealing, but there is a greater chance that you will make a mistake than you would if you were riding around London, simply because of the different traffic laws.

Getting around a city or town while you are on holiday is certainly made easier by using a motorcycle or moped, and many standard travel insurance policies will offer cover for mopeds for a few days up to 50cc or even 125cc in some cases.

Who is motorcycle travel insurance for?

Dedicated motorcycle travel insurance will usually cover anyone who is planning on riding a motorcycle from 50cc to 350cc and above - depending on the policy - for more than a couple of days whilst they are abroad. With the average travel insurance policy, you should find you are covered to ride a scooter, moped or low-powered motorbike, but don't forget to check the terms and conditions of any prospective policy to confirm this.

However, If you plan on riding a motorcycle for longer than this time period, or a motorbike with a bigger engine - usually above 350cc - then you would need to get specific cover that will allow you to do this.

What does motorcycle holiday insurance usually cover?

On a standard policy it is usual to receive basic cover for the use of motorcycles which do not exceed 50cc. For higher engine sizes up to 350cc or above, you will usually have to pay extra and opt for a policy bolt-on or tailored cover to ensure you are fully covered.

Common exclusions

Unsurprisingly, you will not be covered for racing a motorcycle on your policy, and you must have a UK licence that entitles you to drive a motorcycle of equivalent size. You should also check the local road laws, as any infringement which leads to a claim could see your insurer refuse to payout.

Minimum cover levels

On a comprehensive motorcycle travel insurance policy you should be looking to have at least £2m of medical cover (double this figure when travelling to the USA), plus air ambulance cover if you need to be taken from the scene of a traffic accident by helicopter.

Your cancellation cover should be at least as much as you have paid for your holiday, including any pre-paid trips and excursions (don't forget to halve this amount if there are two of you travelling). Your baggage cover should, again, be at least as much as you are taking with you, and check any single item limits in case you have items that are above this.

You should also have at least £1m of personal liability cover in case someone makes a claim against you for an incident while you are away.

Make sure you have cover for travel delays - so you can claim for costs you incur as a result of your flight being extensively delayed - and if possible get catastrophe cover, so if there is a repeat of the Icelandic Ash Cloud, or some other major incident, you will not be left out of pocket.

Motorcycle safety tips

Once you've got you motorbike travel insurance sorted for your holiday, it's time to think about some safety precautions. There are many things you can do to improve your safety when riding a motorcycle abroad and the most important are:

Wear a helmet. It might be tempting to travel around a hot country without a helmet on, but if you have an accident you are far more likely to suffer a serious injury without this crucial piece of safety equipment. Any helmet you use should comply with current safety standards, and make sure it fits properly.

Read the road ahead. This is not as easy when you are abroad, but it is still something that is important to do. You should try to judge ahead, and estimate what other road users will do to try and steer clear of trouble.

Wear protective clothing. Again, in a hot country it may be appealing to wear flip-flops and shorts to ride your motorcycle, but it is important to cover any exposed skin in case you fall off.

Try to wear protective clothing where possible, such as gloves, proper boots or shoes, and a leather jacket and trousers.

Be careful going round bends. Most crashes will happen on corners, either because you are going too fast or you are on the wrong side of the road. The latter is a particular problem if you are driving on the right rather than the left while you are abroad. Take it easy, and try to look around the corner as you are riding.

Check your blind spots. Blind spots are the points in your mirrors where you cannot see a vehicle moving up behind you. Since you will often be driving on the opposite side of the road to the UK, you may find it harder to work out where your blind spots are. So take some time before you set off to check where your blind spots are, and if necessary, turn your head to check for traffic behind you before making a manoeuvre.

Long stay travel insurance

What if you want to take an extended holiday? Often we find a week or two simply isn't enough to properly unwind, or see all the sights, but if you're planning a long trip, what are the insurance implications?

This might be a gap year adventure, for example, and so these policies are sometimes known as 'backpacker insurance'. However, there are other cases when you might opt for a long trip - simply because you feel like it and have the cash, or are in retirement and have the time.

Long stay travel insurance policies are often for terms of as long as 18 months so you can take a trip around the world if you like, and be covered wherever you land.

What do these policies cover?

As with standard policies, you'll get cover for medical expenses, cancellation, and baggage, etc, under the policy terms. However, long-term travel insurance may include other cover given the various activities people undertake on extended trips, such as working abroad.
What details of the policy are important?

It's important to consider all the activities you might take part in on an extended trip, and check the cover for these. While you can't cover for every situation, as plans can and do change - particularly on a long trip - you want to make sure your insurer is aware of your general plans. This way, you'll get the right level of cover for you.

As with standard travel insurance policies, the level of cover you'll get will vary significantly between providers, so make sure to read the small print. For example, are you planning on indulging in adrenalin activities while away, such as bungee jumping, or white water rafting? These are considered to be 'adventurous sports' that are higher risk for an insurer, so while some will cover a wide range, others won't.

Also, check whether the policy is single, or family cover depending on whether you're travelling with kids or solo - or perhaps as a couple. Different insurers offer various options.

At TravelSupermarket.com, we recommend this as the minimum level of cover you should look for in a policy:

Medical expenses - Medical cover should be around £2million, and should also cover the cost of emergency repatriation.

Personal liability - Cover for personal liability should amount to around £1million.

Cancellation Cover - Cancellation cover should be either £3000 or enough to cover the total cost of your holiday, including the cost of any prepaid excursions.

Baggage Cover - Minimum level of baggage and possessions cover should be £1500.

Holiday Money - Minimum cover will usually allow for £250 worth of cash, if you plan to carry more with you ensure your policy reflects that.

Policy Excess - This should ideally be under £100.

Scheduled Airline Failure - Cover for this should be included, along with end supplier failure if you are not travelling on an ATOL backed package holiday

Delay Cover - For example, this could be £20/hour for first 12 hours.

Search and rescue cover can also be included in a long-term policy. However, be aware that if you are planning on becoming an intrepid explorer and venture far off the beaten track, you may find you're not covered.

What is usually excluded in a long-term policy?

Where do you plan to travel? You need to check that the countries you plan to visit aren't excluded on the policy you pick. Some policies, for example, only offer European cover, while others are worldwide. However, countries that are excluded from worldwide policies will also typically be the countries that the Foreign Office considers dangerous to visit. Like with any aspects of cover, if in doubt, ask the insurer.

As with standard policies, you'll find you're not covered for pre-existing medical conditions - and make sure to disclose these when you apply for cover.

How can I find the best cover at the right price?

While a cheap policy might appear the preferable option, it isn't always the wisest if you don't buy a policy that fits your needs. So make sure to compare the policies for your situation, and check the cover details carefully.

If you are over 65, and planning on an extended trip, you will find policies are much more expensive than for young age groups - making it even more important to compare to find not only the best price, but the right cover for you.

TravelSupermarket's free and independent travel insurance quotation service is designed to help you find the right policy at the keenest possible price so you can have precious peace of mind while you embark on your extended trip.