posted by Travel Cat on Aug 23
Travel With Kids Series - Essential Documents - Part 2
Although not always compulsory to enter a country, it is a good idea to make sure that your travel insurance policies are in order before traveling. In addition, it would be advised to warn banks and credit card companies of your intended travel arrangements to avoid not only risking a late payment, but also to avoid fraud on these accounts whilst you are traveling.
It is also an idea to make sure that you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover all eventualities and to make sure you are insured and legally able to drive a vehicle - even if you didn’t intend to - just in-case.
The Best Policy:
Choosing the best policy available to you and your family will certainly save a considerable amount of effort on your part whilst abroad. Many policies will offer to cover you for many conditions and activities - but don’t assume that they are inclusive of all that you intend to do. Before applying for policies, make a list of activities and medical situations that will just not do without.
One example would be ‘Re-Patriation’ - where the policy will cover all reasonable costs incurred on returning you (after injury or illness) to your home country as soon as is safe to do so. This is essential if you require specialist medical treatment that is not available where you are, but also needed if you will miss your paid journeys home due to hospitalisation.
If travelling with kids, it is also essential that this covers everyone in the party - I mean you cannot leave one of your children abroad alone any more than you could send them off home early without you.
And what if it were you that was injured? Does it cover the cost of hiring a professional in the country you are in - or the cost of sending a friend or relative over to where you are to be with them while you are not able to.
I know these are ‘worst case scenario’s’ but they are the most important.
Your ‘Essentials’ List:
So, whatever policies you find, make sure you check them up against your ‘essential’ list and don’t compromise. I know you may end up paying more for the most inclusive package, but it could well be too expensive not to.
I’ve got no idea how much it costs to have a child airlifted out of a rain-forest after breaking a leg - but I know I’d rather pay a few $100 rather than a few $1000!
Other things to look out for are not just about injuries. Make sure that flight delays and other travel arrangements are catered for - including a considerable sum for ‘lost luggage’ claims. How much will you need for an extra night in a hotel for everyone or a day or two’s worth of baby blankets, clothes, toiletries, food, bottles and diapers etc, should your bag not arrive with you….
And - as we all know - kids can mean a change of plans, sometimes at very short notice, so it’s worth checking the cancellation details of your policy. That way, if you need to change the dates for whatever reason, you will not incur an excessive charge.
Some policies will allow late changes, but others will not - leaving you to lose the money from the first booking and pay all over again for the replacement flights and accommodation.
Personal Liability Cover (3rd Party):
It would also be wise to check if the policies offer ‘Personal Liability cover’ for your children. This means that if your children were to cause an accident, break something in the hotel, or do anything that involves damage to another person property - you are covered (obviously, check for any exclusions).
This is highly recommended if staying in a rented home or lodgings, as we all know how much of our own furniture is affected by several ‘adventurous’ children playing around. You’ve already paid for the vacation - you don’t want to be paying for some-one’s TV or climbing frame as well!!
And finally, make sure you know the procedure for making a claim too, as many policies want things to be done in a certain order - for example calling them before visiting the doctor, or confirming treatments before proceeding with them - this way they know what you are hoping to do - and can advise whether they will pay for it before you go ahead.
Keep all contact numbers handy, and make sure your policy number and details are in a safe place.
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