Travel Insurance Policies When Travelling in America

Travel Insurance Policies When Travelling in America

              Travel insurance is a lot like a good thick jumper when abroad, you hope you wont need to use it, but if you do, your glad you brought it. Most of the time, travel insurance acts as a peace of mind...right up to the time you need it and then it can be the most important article in your suitcase.

Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?

              As we are all aware, accidents can happen at any time and in any place to anybody In the worst of circumstances, this can cause significant injury as well as ruining a holiday or business trip. Unfortunately no-one can predict when these accidents will occur or the severity of them when they do. The only thing to do is to have a high quality travel insurance policy. It may feel like you are gambling against yourself when arranging such a policy, however, nothing could be further from the truth. Something as innocent as a wet floor or trip down a flight of stairs could lead to a hospital trip, for example, to administer to a broken wrist or ankle. Possessions can be lost or stolen, and if you cause an accident, personal liability may be an issue. A good travel insurance policy will also have a clause that allows travel back to the UK if a medical emergency arises.

What Should I Look For In Travel Insurance

              Travel insurance is a safety net when abroad. A good travel insurance policy should cover you for medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad, 24 hour emergency service and assistance and personal liability cover in case you are sued for causing injury or damaging property.

              Other things to consider when purchasing travel insurance are, what is the value of your lost and stolen possessions cover? What's the maximum you can claim on a single piece of your inventory? Are you covered for cancellation and/or curtailment of your flight or ferry? Does your policy have extra cover for activities that are usually not included standard policies, such as jet skiing or adventure activities? Are there any financial insurances in case your carrier airline becomes bankrupt before or during your excursion abroad?

Socio-Political Issues

              For the majority of tourist area's, America is a safe place to visit. There will sadly be the threat from pick-pockets however, so keep any money or important documentation in a zipped or fastened pocket. Should your wallet or purse be stolen, your travel insurance will be able to cover the losses if it's included in your travel insurance policy.

              There is also a large amount of muggings and car-jackings in certain areas of North America. This tends to occur in less affluent areas at night, so applying common sense in some areas is advised. Most travel insurance covers personal liability concerning loss of hire vehicles and victims of criminal loss of passports and money are able to consult with the British consulate for replacement passports and help getting back to the UK.

              Medical care in the USA is primarily private. In effect, you will have to pay for all treatment costs, travel insurance will usually help cover the cost, but full medical insurance is advised also.

              America has a substantial risk of terrorist attacks. Currently the department for homeland security assesses incoming international and domestic flights as orange. In high profile public places it is recommended that you maintain a high level of vigilance. Travel insurance will help you return to the UK although it will be delayed during the inevitable investigations following an attack.

              Natural disasters are more frequent in the USA than in the UK. Therefore it is a good idea to learn what events can occur in the areas you are staying in. Earthquakes, Hurricanes, forest fires and blizzards all occur within the USA. These disasters may close airports and roads making travel extremely hazardous and effectively stranding you in a foreign country.

Specific Insurances In America

              North America has a vast array of activities to pursue. It takes in perhaps the broadest range of climates and environments in the Western world. There is any number of beach sports available on either coast, skiing in the Northern states and everything in between. Due to this wide variety of activities it is important that any activities you are planning on taking part in are covered by your travel insurance policy. This can be water sports, adventure policies or adrenaline policies for example. It all depends on which activities you are planning on taking part in.

              Be prepared to use common sense again though, if using equipment such as jet ski's or scuba gear, check that it is in a state of good quality and that any instructors are fully qualified. Sadly there is no real uniform code of laws governing the United States of America. The laws differ from state to state as do the penalties incurred. Generally speaking, the legal age for alcohol consumption is 21 years old, and driving is normally 16 years old with a valid permit.

              The limits for drink driving are lower than in the UK, and penalties are much stricter for this and other road offences. Travel insurance will normally cover you for accidents to other persons, called personal liability. This often will include third party insurance for hire cars, although this will not be considered to be car insurance if stopped by the police.

Should you run into difficulties such as passports being stolen or lost, the British consulate can be located at:

British Embassy, Washington, United States
British Embassy
3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008

Washington, DC

Telephone: (1) (202) 588 6500
Fax: (1) (202) 588 7870 Chancery