Travel Insurance Information

If doing any world travel, good travel insurance and medical insurance is important wherever you go and for however long you are away.

Some countries have agreements with the UK but this might not cover all the expenses involved in medical care abroad.

• If you are a resident of the UK, UK national, part of an EEA state or a refugee resident in any of the above, collect an E111 form from your post office before you travel abroad. This will allow you reduced or free cover in any of the EEA states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Click here to go to the Post Office web page with further information on E111 Forms.

• If you have an E111 form you will still need travel insurance to cover repatriation in the event of illness or death in some cases.

• Shop around, and always read the small print on the travel insurance, especially if you suffer from an existing medical condition or are pregnant.

• Make sure the travel insurance is adequate if you intend to take part in any sports or activities you would not ordinarily take part in at home. This includes scuba diving and further information can be found further down the page about scuba diving insurance.

• If travelling to a developing country with less adequate medical services ensure that your travel insurance covers repatriation to fly you home if you need medical treatment.

• Always carry your travel insurance papers with you, don't leave them in the hotel, you never know when you might need them! Whenever I have travelled I have taken at least one photocopy of my travel insurance documents and passport, along with a CD-ROM containing all these documents scanned in.

• Always carry your identity papers on you, in many countries it's required by law. If in doubt in regards to the local laws, speak to your holiday company or the foreign office.

• If you are allergic to any medications, put a note to that effect in with your identity papers don't assume you'll be conscious to give the doctor any details! This is particularly important when diving, I have learnt the benefits of having a dog tag with my name, address, blood group and brief medical allergies attached to my dive bag and BCD.

Travel Insurance for High Risk Travellers including Scuba Divers.

For most travellers, getting a travel insurance policy involves a few phone calls, search on the web, clicking on one of the banners below or a visit to their local travel agent. However for those with pre-existing medical conditions, or are involved in a specialised sport (ie. Scuba Diving) finding an affordable travel insurance quote, that also offers reassurance and a suitable level of cover, can often be a problem.  For insurance cover whilst scuba diving I have always used DAN Europe and have found whenever I needed them in a scuba diving emergency they were very reliable and professional.  The only downside to them is although they will offer policies to cover medical situations and professional liability, they do not as far as I know offer equipment insurance other than if ditch it in an emergency situation.  Divemaster Insurance do cover this side of things and include policies for your underwater photography equipment too.

Below is a selection of companies offering travel insurance including annual policies.

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