valuables insurance

Travel Insurance by Country

travelTravel insurance is pretty much a must, whatever country you are going to visit, but its cost and necessity does vary country by country.

For some countries it is a legal requirement, for others things like medical costs, as per USA, make it pretty crucial for most people.

Some countries are safer than others, and some parts of some countries are safer than others.

Insurance companies require people to follow any travel advice that their national government gives out about the state of a country, and how safe it is to travel there.

Governments of other countries than your own will also have travel advice for their citizens, which will be useful to follow.

Whilst travel insurance will usually cover most medical conditions, albeit at a cost,  if you have a condition such as epilepsy it is worth remembering that some countries still have quite a cultural and social problem with people who suffer from it.

It is also worth researching the medical system of any country you are going to, especially if you are visiting any remote areas of that country.

Also check if your insurance company will pay any medical bills directly to the hospital, or if you are expected to pay them and claim the money back from the insurance company.

Below is a list of articles about travel insurance to different countries, including some general travel tips and information on safety, airlines, sports, and health systems etc.

Jamaica

Tenerife

Argentina

 

Do you need travel insurance for Jamaica?

travelTravel Insurance for Jamaica.

Jamaica is often referred to as the crown jewel of the Caribbean and is a hugely popular tourist destination. For many people it is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday and having proper travel insurance is a key element in making sure of having a fantastic experience.

Cost

Most trips to Jamaica are likely to be for a few weeks and are likely to be family holidays as well.

The cost of these holidays, in terms of air travel and accommodation, as well as other spending on leisure activities can be significant. It is really important to have some travel insurance in place that can provide some degree of financial protection in the event the holiday is cancelled or cut short.

Most travel insurance policies have sections that cover the cost of cancellation, for a variety of different reasons, although there are normally quite strict terms and conditions.

Airlines

Jamaica is well-serviced by all the major Airlines including Virgin Airways, American Airlines, Aer Lingus etc, and flights can come at a cost.

Return flights from the UK to Kingston come in at around £1000, from Berlin at around £1200/1300, and much cheaper from the USA where flights from New York come in at around £300/400. Prices as of June 2023 and in sterling to show comparison prices.

Airline delays and cancellations are frequent due to the poor weather conditions that can affect all airlines, again having proper travel insurance can help offset some of the financial and practical problems that can occur as a result of these delays.

Sports and Activities

Jamaica is famous for its range of sports and activities especially water sports, drawing many enthusiasts all year round to experience its fantastic beaches and seafronts.

Some other most common water sports include :

  • Banana boating
  • Canoeing
  • Jet skiing
  • Kite surfing
  • Scuba diving surfing
  • White water rafting

It’s important to remember that travel insurance policies will include and exclude certain specific types of sports and activities, and this varies across the industry.

Please check your travel insurance policy to make sure which are covered and which are not before taking part in any.
Some enthusiasts will also bring their sporting equipment, which can be quite valuable and may need specific insurance.

Many travel insurance companies will provide specific add-on policies or endorsements for specific activities such as kite surfing, which will need to be taken out before undertaking the holiday.

Valuables Travel Insurance

People take valuables with them on holiday, such as laptops, iPhones, cameras, jewellery etc.

Unfortunately, these are all the items that are targeted by thieves and tend to be the most common areas of crime in Jamaica.

Having travel insurance to cover this eventuality can help minimise the shock or trauma if this happens. A condition of the travel insurance policy would be that the policyholder or their family need to show responsible behaviour.

This can be a slightly contentious phrase, but it means that people have to show common sense and look after their belongings especially items of value that could be lost or stolen.

In this regard, it is a good idea for people to be aware of the local laws and customs, which can sometimes give rise to unintended disputes which can escalate into more serious problems

Medical Costs

One of the main benefits of all travel insurance policies is to provide a level of coverage for any medical treatment that may be needed during the trip.

Jamaica has good medical facilities, although like any country the quality can vary over the island.

One thing that is important to know is that several clinical providers including some hospitals requirement of cash up front, with the policyholder claiming the money back from the insurance company afterwards.

This can be quite a shock to people who may not realize that some countries have this approach, and expect that the insurance company will deal directly with the hospital or physician.

If concerned please talk to the travel insurance company when taking out the policy and check what their experience with these situations is.

Health

Whilst Covid has ceased to be on the front page every day as it were, it remains a major health issue and Jamaica will have specific policies in terms of checking Covid symptoms, testing people and any possible potential quarantine measures if things start to get serious.

It is important to check actual travel insurance policy covers you in all these eventualities, and any other health concerns, such as vaccination requirements, especially for yellow fever. These may be a condition of entry to the country.

Safety

Jamaica is not necessarily on many people’s radar before they go, in terms of what is happening in the country, so it is a good idea to check what is happening in terms of safety issues and health risks

Like a lot of countries, Jamaica can have its dangerous areas, especially for tourists and it is a really good idea to check the current situation before you go.

Checking the advice on the national government websites is a really good place to start as it contains several different sections all these areas that are kept pretty much up to date.

This advice should include checking if a visa is needed and what passport requirements they may be in terms of length and validity. Countries have different requirements in these areas and it is important to check out what they are before travelling.

Jamaica Cares

The Jamaica Cares program is mandatory of all non-Jamaican passport holders, whether they have travel insurance or not.

 

 

What does Valuables Travel Insurance Cover?

travelValuables Travel Insurance

When travelling abroad, it is vital to have the right type of insurance to cover any valuables that may be lost, stolen or damaged.

Unfortunately, insurance policies are not always that clear as to how valuables are covered and the amount they are insured for, which can sometimes lead to disputes if they claim arises.

What are valuables

From an insurance point of view, valuables are items high-risk items such as laptops, phones, iPads or tablets, cameras, jewellery, watches, sunglasses and other similar items that would normally be taken on holiday by someone.

High risk in the sense that they can easily be lost or damaged

Valuables insurance does not normally cover very high-risk items that are being transported from one destination to another – this would need to be done under a specific call cargo or specie policy.

Baggage cover

Most travel insurance policies will have a separate section for baggage cover.

Some insurance companies will use the section to include valuables as well, whilst other insurance companies will have a separate section for valuables.

This is where misunderstandings can arise

If the baggage section of the insurance policy includes valuables, then there will normally be a cash limit for the baggage section overall and a specific item cash limit, without a need to specify what any of the individual items are worth.

Valuables Cover

Other insurance companies will have a dedicated valuables section of the policy, where it is necessary to specify exactly what valuable items are being taken on the trip, and what each of them is worth.

Whilst this may seem a bit more intrusive, it is a much better way of making sure that valuables are properly covered and insured, and in the event of making a claim, there is less likely to be a dispute about what the valuables are worth.

The valuable section will normally be different to a section that covers the loss of money, passports, and other important documents.

Making a claim

Anecdotally, many people used to make claims for items they had supposedly lost, like a camera or a pair of binoculars, which it was very difficult to prove either way was true or not.

Insurance companies have tightened up considerably how they adjust claims for valuable items, many requiring back in the event of a claim, the following information is provided :

  • Make of item
  • Model of item
  • Serial number
  • Condition of item
  • Value – with official valuation provided if needed
  • Receipts, when bought etc
  • Police report

If a particularly valuable item is bought while someone is actually on the trip or holiday itself, then it is a good idea to notify the insurance company at the time to make sure it complies with the policy terms and conditions.

In the event of any claim, the insurance company will require the individual to have notified the local police, normally within 24 hours.

It is also a good idea to notify the insurance company at the time, ideally by email, even if a full claim it’s not going to be made until the return home.

Responsible behaviour

The small print of most travel insurance policies requires that the individual behaves in a responsible manner at all times, and if this is shown not to have been the case when a valuable item has been lost or stolen, then the claim may be disputed.

Responsible behaviour can obviously be interpreted in different ways but the sort of thing the insurance company like someone leaving a camera on a table while they went to the toilet, and it being stolen by the time they returned.

Also, the use of alcohol and drugs can play a part if the insurance company can show that the individual behaved responsibly or recklessly because of their use.

New for Old Cover

Many insurance companies still use a new for old basis for assessing the value of valuables that may be claimed under a policy. This means that they take into account any wear or tear of the item, how old it is etc,

People normally expect that a valuable item will be replaced as new, and therefore it can come as quite a shock when a significant deduction can be made because of new for old considerations.

This is why it is much better to have a separate valuables section of the policy that specifies high-risk items, with fixed value amounts written into the policy.

It is also worth checking specifically with the insurance company what their basis is for setting claims, whether it is new for old whether they will agree to the valuations in the policy as a basis for settling the claim.

Replacement items

Traditionally, insurance companies would settle any claim by paying the policyholder in cash, which is what people expect, and which many companies still do.

Some however settle a claim by replacing the item itself with a similar item, of similar value to the one that has been stolen or damaged or lost.

This can also be quite a shock to people who would normally prefer cash to give them the freedom to decide how they would like to replace the item.

However the insurance company is perfectly within its rights if it wants to do this, and again it may be worth checking and taking out the policy exactly what the claims settlement basis is, in this regard.

 

What is Single Trip Travel Insurance?

travel

Single Trip Travel Insurance

A single trip travel insurance policy is designed to provide insurance coverage for a one-off return journey trip to one or more overseas destinations. This policy will run for a specified time, with some insurers offering a maximum of 30/31 days, and others offering up to around 3 months.

The idea of a single trip normally implies a journey to a specific country, either for a holiday, possibly a wedding or even a short weekend break. It can also include trips to several different countries so long as they are all part of the same holiday.

As insurance companies issue this type of policy on a geographical basis, it is important to remember to take the widest possible range of geographical cover provided.

Types of Policy

A single trip travel insurance policy will provide a range of different benefits, although the extent of that coverage will vary with different insurance companies.

Also, most insurance companies will offer different plans within the context of a single trip policy, often labelling them with titles such as Standard, Premiere, Premier Plus, Platinum, Sapphire, Emerald, Gold, Diamond etc.

Most of these plans will offer the same type of cover but with differing financial limits and different levels of policy excesses or deductibles.

Many insurance companies will provide specimen policies and policy wordings on their website which can be downloaded as a free pdf.

Also, many countries have consumer laws allowing for what is known as a cooling-off period after a policy is taken out, normally 14/21 days. This gives people time to look through the policy, check if it is appropriate for their needs and if not cancel it and obtain a refund of premiums paid.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Single trip cover provides travel insurance for a single holiday trip that can include more than one country.

If you embark on two or more trips annually, opting for an annual travel insurance plan may prove more cost-effective than purchasing two separate single trip policies.

However, if you embark on a holiday only once a year, single trip insurance may offer better value.

The choice of insurance policy depends on your destination, and you can normally select from the following options:

  1. European single trip travel insurance
  2. Worldwide single trip travel insurance that includes USA, Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico
  3. Worldwide single trip travel insurance that excludes the above countries, but includes the rest of the world.

What a single trip travel insurance policy normally covers

  1. Cost of medical treatment and repatriation: Coverage in the event of an accident or illness while you’re abroad, including provisions for air ambulance services and repatriation to your home country if necessary.
  2. Cancellation and Curtailment: Protection against financial losses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip for reasons specified in your policy. This can often be a contentious issue as to what is and is not covered.
  3. Flight Cancellations: The possibility to make a claim if your flight is cancelled or delayed for over 24 hours, or if you’re not rebooked on a new flight within 24 hours (refer to the policy for specific details).
  4. Stolen or Lost Baggage: Compensation for lost or damaged luggage, offering financial support when airlines fail to properly handle your belongings.
  5. Lost or Stolen Valuables and Personal Money: Coverage for lost or stolen cash and traveler’s cheques, with some policies having limits. Consider adding extra gadget insurance for specific valuable items.
  6. Personal Accident Insurance
  7. Some Legal Expenses

A single trip travel insurance policy can normally be upgraded to include areas such as

  • Cruise Cover
  • No Excess Policy
  • Covid Cover
  • Winter sports cover, skiing etc
  • Adventure Holidays
  • Sports and Activities Cover

Trip Duration

A single trip travel insurance policy will vary widely in terms of the duration of the trip or policy – this normally depends on the age of the person or people insured on the policy, and the reason for travel.

This type of policy is normally intended for what might be called normal holidays or travels, as opposed to people wanting travel insurance for extended stays in a country, backpacking etc where separate insurance policies are more appropriate.

Health Requirements

A single trip travel insurance will require the proposer to answer a number of medical screening questions to determine their eligibility to be accepted for the travel insurance policy.

This can sometimes seem a bit daunting. The intent is for the insurance company to assess the likelihood of medical problems arising when overseas, based on known facts declared before travel.

The insurance company is most interested in what are known as pre-existing conditions, which can pretty much be any medical illness or disease going back over a period of time.

Insurance companies can differ quite considerably in their attitude to pre-existing condition, in terms of what they are willing to cover and at what cost, so it is worth shopping around if this is applicable to you or anyone you are travelling with.

What is really important is that you are completely honest in answering all questions – failure to do so could well result in a claim being denied at a future date.

The medical screening questions are either normally done online or via telephone. It is also important to notify the insurance company if your health changes between taking out the policy and starting your travels.

Pregnancy

A single trip travel insurance policy will normally cover someone who is pregnant, but certain time limits normally apply and will be specified in the policy. It is also important to check with the airline what their policy is.

It is worth noting the travel insurance policy would exclude what is known as medical tourism, which in this case would mean someone flying to another country ie USA, specifically to give birth in order to gain citizenship.

Single Trip Travel Insurance Claims

In the event of you needing to make a claim there are a couple of things to be aware of. The policy will normally contain a 24 hour emergency line that you can ring in the event of a medical emergency and get help from.

The policy will have quite strict time and date requirements as to when the insurance company must be notified of either a hospital admission or claim under the policy.

It is worth checking with the insurance company if they will pay any hospital bills directly, or if they expect you to pay up front and then make a claim to be paid back for any costs.

In the event of making any claim, the insurance company will require a certain amount of documentation in order to verify the claim details, normally known as claims evidence. What documentation is required should be specified in the policy document.

Benefits

The single trip travel insurance policy will have what is referred to as a schedule or table of benefits. This will spell out in detail what financial compensation you are entitled to if a valid claim is made under the relevant section. Some sections may not apply to your policy and as such would not be valid.

Cancellation of Trip and Trip Disruption

This is often the most contentious area of disputes relating to travel insurance policies. Insurance companies are very specific as to what they will and won’t cover in the event of a trip needing to be cancelled or delayed, and the reasons for it.

The insurance policy will spell out these terms and conditions of cover in a  specific section of the policy.

Personal Belongings

A single trip travel insurance policy will normally cover someone’s personal effects and their baggage against most types of loss or damage.

Items classed as valuables will normally be covered, but may need a different section. There is likely to be a single article limit, as well as a overall limit for valuable items. Some insurance companies deem items such as laptops and tablets as valuables.

You will be expected to take sensible precautions against loss of valuables – if not any claim may be declined. The example normally given is not leaving valuables such as a camera unattended in a cafe or visible in an unoccupied car.

Different Levels of Single Trip Travel Insurance

Most insurance companies offer different levels of cover for their travel insurance policies, which in effect are basic, average and premium, although they will use much nicer terms.

All will have some level of cover as described above, but the premium policy is likely to include perks such as access to a complimentary airport lounge in the event of a plane delay.

Documents

A single trip travel insurance policy will have a built in expectation that you have the correct travel documents you need in order to enter the country you are visiting.

  • sign your passport and complete the emergency contacts page
  • ensure that your passport meets the entry requirements for the country you are visiting (for example, it may need to be valid for a set period after your trip ends)
  • get the correct visa for your destination
  • take an extra form of photo ID with you, other than your passport
  • if you are travelling with children check whether you need extra documentation
  • if you plan to drive abroad check whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Policy Exclusions

All single trip travel insurance policies will have some exclusions, and it is worth being aware of them before travelling so as not to be caught unaware.

Review the coverage of your insurance policy in the following areas:

  1. Alcohol and Drugs: Most travel insurance policies exclude events occurring after excessive alcohol consumption or the use of recreational drugs or other substances.
  2. High-Risk Destinations: Check whether your travel insurance covers trips to destinations deemed high-risk by your national government. If they advise against all but essential travel or all travel to a specific country, your policy may not provide coverage. Review your policy details and the relevant country travel advice pages before booking your trip and purchasing insurance.
  3. Mental Health Conditions: Some policies may not cover treatment related to pre-existing mental health conditions. Refer to foreign travel advice for individuals with mental health issues for additional guidance.
  4. Age Restrictions: When purchasing a policy, verify if there are any age-related restrictions. If so, seek guidance on selecting the appropriate level of cover, obtaining the best deal, and making a travel insurance claim. Specialized advice is often available for travellers over 65 or those with pre-existing medical conditions.
  5. Adventure Sports: Standard policies typically do not include coverage for activities such as bungee jumping, jet skiing, winter sports, skydiving, quad biking, or moped rentals.
  6. Driving Overseas: If you plan to drive overseas, check the driving abroad guidelines. For rental cars, assess the coverage provided by the rental company. If using your own vehicle, review your motor insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage.
  7. Terrorist Acts: Most policies offer limited coverage for terrorist acts. At a minimum, ensure your policy covers emergency medical expenses and repatriation in the event of a terrorist attack. Some insurers offer add-ons for additional coverage in case of a terrorist attack in your destination, including cancellation cover if your trip is affected before departure.
  8. Other Incidents: Some policies provide limited coverage for claims related to natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes or tropical cyclones) or civil unrest. Additionally, coverage may be restricted for incidents (e.g., strikes or industrial action) that were publicly known when you booked your trip or purchased your travel insurance.