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| BUYING HOLIDAY INSURANCE |
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It is a wise precaution, although not a legal requirement,
to take out travel insurance.
Generally, tour operators and travel agents can't
insist that you take out their own travel insurance. It is illegal for
a tour operator to discriminate against a traveller for not taking their
insurance by way of price, discount or surcharge.
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| "Do not rely on buying local insurance
abroad" |
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In these circumstances, check to make sure the
package (including the insurance) represents good value for money
and that the policy offers you a good level of cover. They should
cover, at least, the following:
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Cancellation of, or cutting short, your holiday |
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Illness or injury while you are away |
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Loss or theft of your belongings |
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Delayed or missed connection |
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Liability for accidents to others |
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Remember:
If you need to cut short your holiday because someone at home is
ill, ensure you get the insurer's consent before rearranging
flights. If you plan to try out sports or activities on holiday
that could be considered hazardous, such as sky diving, a standard
policy may not cover you. You may be able to get this added to
your insurance. If not, you need to arrange a specialist policy.
Do not rely on buying local insurance abroad.
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| Medical Cover |
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If you are travelling overseas, medical
treatment under mutual health service arrangements with the
country you are visiting should be available to you. It is
advisable to take out travel insurance in addition to this,
because not all countries listed in your insurance cover
list pay the full cost of medical treatment. There may also
be extra expenses that insurance cover would meet and would
not meet, such as repatriation.
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With most insurance policies, you must
disclose full details of any illness of a permanent or recurring
nature. The insurers may want a doctor's note certifying
that you are fit to travel.
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If you are ill or injured while abroad,
keep all doctor's, chemist's and hospital bills to support
your claim.
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Many insurers provide a 24 hour emergency
service. Take the number and a copy of the policy with you.
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| Valuables |
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Take as much care of your possessions
as you would if they were uninsured. If you don't, the policy
may not pay for your lost valuables or possessions.
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Never leave belongings unattended, particularly
at airports, or in an unattended vehicle or on the beach.
Keep all valuables, passports and money in your hand baggage
when traveling, not with the rest of your luggage.
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Make sure you know all that is required
of you to make a claim. If an item is stolen, for example,
the policy may require you to contact the police within 24
hours and produce proof of notification to support your claim.
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| Driving abroad |
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When renting a car overseas, check how
much you are covered for and consider buying a policy to
top up your cover. Insurance cover is sometimes limited to
the legal minimum in the state where you rent it from, and
you could be held personally liable for any claim that exceeds
this amount.
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If you take your own car abroad, you could
already be insured. Check whether your motor insurance policy
provides a minimum cover when brought overseas. It is important
to ensure that your policy provides the same level of cover
as you have in Malaysia. Most policies require an additional
premium to include theft, fire or damage to your car.
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| 5 things to remember |
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Make sure you understand what you are
covered for and what you are not.
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Take as much care with your possessions
as you would if you were uninsured.
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Take the insurers contact details with
you and a copy of your policy - always call them for consent
if you are booking something which will form part of your
claim.
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Keep bills and receipts to support your
claim.
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Know what's expected of you - if you are
claiming for a stolen item, have you notified the police?
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For enquiries or more policy information, please
read Kurnia
Care Travel Insurance for a specially designed, comprehensive
travel policy that is suitable for all walks of life. You may also
contact any Kurnia agents from any of our branches nationwide. |
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