Pittwater Life March 2018 Issue

Offering peace of
mind on insurance
Travel insurance is a vital
piece of “luggage” you
should not forget when travelling
– but which type and level
of insurance is best for the
individual has long been a vexing
issue.
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Avalon principal Gail Kardash
says while most travellers are
aware they should not travel
overseas without insurance,
they remain unaware that the
most expensive or cheapest
plans don’t always offer the
best options.
She says that’s where travel
consultants can assist.
“Travel Agents usually are
trained in multiple companies
all offering different cover,”
Gail said. “Also they are updated
periodically as travel insurance
companies are constantly
amending and changing their
inclusions and exclusions, as
world events change.”
Providers could check your
destination, travel spend, preexisting
medical situations
and even take into consideration
activities you are planning
– for example, hiring a
car when travelling, she said.
Gail said there were important
considerations when
choosing a policy.
“You should take out your
plan as close as you can to
purchasing your travel and
make sure you have taken out
adequate cancellation cover
(as it is not always offered
The Local Voice Since 1991
automatically),” she said.
“Declare any Pre-existing
medical conditions, and make
sure you choose a cover with
unlimited medical expenses.”
Gail said it was vital to
check whether the policy covered
any adventure activities
that you may be planning – for
example skiing or diving.
“And if you are intending
to take computers, mobile
phones etc, check they are
covered,” she said.
Choosing the right cover
for the country where you will
be spending most time was
important too.
“Keep your policy and the
24-hour emergency number at
hand,” Gail said. “If you have
something lost or stolen a
police report helps speed up
the claim – additionally, not
lodging in time can result in
no claim, usually 30 days after
your trip ends.”
Gail said a key benefit of
liaising with a travel agent
when arranging insurance was
that should any unfortunate
incidents occur whilst overseas,
the consultant would
know where you are and how
to reach you, and had your
flight and travel arrangements
on hand, with the authority to
alter and change if necessary.
“We will also assist with any
claims on your return,” she said.
* For more information call
Avalon 9918 4444 or
Collaroy on 9999 0444.
MARCH 2018 73
Travel Life