Tuesday, 26 July 2011

travel insurance

Travel insurance tips for the over 50s and Staysure benefits

travel insurance from£3.00


It is incredible that many people still go on holiday and neglect to take out travel insurance. Approximately 25% of all travellers take trips without any travel insurance cover whatsoever, which is particularly dangerous for the over 50s.


Travel insurance may not be a legal requirement, but it comes highly recommended if you want peace of mind on holiday. You can buy travel insurance from over-50s specialist, Staysure from just £3 per person, and it is a common misconception that travel insurance is expensive. Unexpected medical expenses, along with lost baggage and holiday cancellation can all be covered with ease, leaving you to concentrate on enjoying yourself.

Always use a reputable UK company such as Staysure, which covers hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions for the over-50s, and can also offer individual policies to suit your requirements.

Staysure offers outstanding customer care, competitive prices and comprehensive cover. Cover from just a few days to 18 months can be arranged, and whatever your age and medical condition, we can insure you. Medical travel insurance for the over 50s, over 60s, over 70s and over 80s should not be a minefield. Staysure will answer all your questions and get you a quote within minutes.

Whether you have read about travel insurance on travel insurance forums, or found information on the internet, we can offer you a complete insurance service that leaves nothing to chance. We specialise in travel insurance for the over 50s and we understand our customer´s needs.

Cheap travel insurance for the over 50´s, over 60´s, over 70´s and the over 80´s with Staysure is affordable and easy to book. If you have a valid claim, we will arrange a quick payout with as little hassle as possible to you. Cover can include cheap cruise insurance, plus European and worldwide travel insurance cover up to a maximum holiday duration of 18 months.

Single trip travel insurance cover starts at just £2.41, and multi-trip insurance from just 8p a day.

Top tips to consider when booking over-50s medical travel insurance include:

1. Medical travel insurance is vital for the over 50s

Medical travel insurance for the over 50s should be a vital part of your holiday plans, and should never be viewed as an optional extra. You should be covered against accident, injury, illness and loss, plus delays and cancellations. Staysure will also provide you with an emergency number so you can speak to someone immediately if you have a problem. Choosing the cheapest travel insurance because it´s cheap is the last thing you should do. Make sure you are covered for any eventuality and ask our advisors to find the right policy for you. If, for example you go on holiday with a lot of expensive items, a basic policy may not be enough. You may want winter sports cover or additional trip cover. Staysure will help you find the most comprehensive cover at an affordable price.

2. Single trip or annual multi-trip cover for the over 50s

Single trip cover for the over 50s appears cheaper at the outset, but it is only cost-effective if you take two or less trips each year. Annual travel insurance can also cover you during UK holidays, which makes it a much more complete policy. Check the maximum number of days you can be covered before you travel and Staysure customer service advisors will be able to give you information about the best policy for you. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, take advantage of a company that will include over 200 pre-existing medical conditions in your policy at no extra cost. Comprehensive travel insurance policies cover every country in the EU, including Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, Ireland, Hungary, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and most worldwide destinations. If you know you are going away, book your travel insurance when you book your holiday. If you leave it until the last minute you are likely to choose the wrong policy or simply go for the cheapest option, which may not be the best to suit your needs.

3. What travel insurance exclusions exist for the over 50s?

Before you book travel insurance check for any exclusions which could result in certain medical conditions not being covered. You must always tell the travel insurance company if:
• You have been refused travel insurance in the past and why
• You have any criminal convictions for fraud or dishonesty
• You have had more than 3 travel insurance claims in the past 3 years
• You want cover for a cruise holiday
• You are travelling without at least one adult named on the policy
• You have pre-existing medical conditions

Ask about any additional cover you may need such as winter sports and also about any exclusions. If you are unsure about exactly what to declare to the medical travel insurance company, ask one of the Staysure advisors.

4. Compare cover and price of travel insurance cover

Before you decide on the best over-50s travel insurance cover for you, compare price and service from different firms, to make sure you have the best policy for you. When you have booked your travel insurance, keep a separate note of your policy numbers and leave additional copies with a friend or family member in the UK. If you need to make a claim at any time, your paperwork will be safe and you can contact your insurers easily. If the Government advises against travelling to certain countries, you may not be able to get insurance to go there. Ask advice from your insurer if you are not sure which countries are classed as ´dangerous´ as this can change quickly. Keep all your policy documents in the hotel safe.

5. Travel tips for the over 50s and over 60s

If you are over 50 or over 60 and you plan to travel you should always make sure you buy the best travel insurance to suit your needs. Check all your travel documents are up to date, including a ten year passport. Some countries request passports to still be valid for up to six months after you enter the country, so make sure you check with the relevant embassies or consulates in the UK if you are in any doubt. If you need to contact the Identity and Passport Service, call 0870 521 0410. If you lose your passport or have it stolen on holiday you should contact the UK embassy or consulate in the nearest town to where you are staying and/or inform your holiday rep/tour operator as soon as possible. Also make sure you book your medical health insurance well in advance so you get the best policy. Check out the Department of Health Website for useful information and travel tips, including where to get medical help abroad.

6. Over 50s holiday loss insurance

Over 50s holiday insurance and over 60s medical travel insurance should cover loss and theft of money and credit cards, plus a range of other essential cover for the over 70s and senior citizens when travelling abroad. You may want travel insurance for a trip to Malta, Slovakia, Spain, France, Croatia, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal or any EU or world destination, which can be provided by Staysure.
Never take large amounts of cash with you and use traveller´s cheques whenever possible. Take your credit card emergency number with you in case you need to cancel your cards if they are stolen, and check how much your bank is charging for withdrawing funds abroad. Only exchange money at regulated and legal money exchange offices or you could be ripped off. Or use the hotel exchange facilities, although you may not get the best rate here. Always leave a copy of your travellers cheque numbers with a friend or relative in the UK, along with an emergency credit card.

7. Car hire tips and travel insurance for the over 50s

Always take out travel insurance if you plan to hire a car abroad. This will cover you against accident and injury, and however good your driving is, remember that most accidents are caused by a third party. By taking out medical travel insurance before you travel, you will be covered in the event of an accident. Also take the time to get to know the driving laws in the countries you are visiting to avoid any unwelcome traffic fines. In Spain for example, you are required to carry two red warning triangles in the boot of your car plus a luminous jacket in case you break down. This is not information you will be given at the car hire firm, and they are unlikely to provide the triangle and jacket for you. Once you arrive at your holiday hotel or self-catering accommodation, take an hour or so to find out where the police station is, the nearest health centre and ask at reception how to contact emergency services if you need them.

8. Over 50s travel cover against theft

Booking over 50s travel insurance cover against theft should be an essential part of your holiday planning. Travel insurance will generally cover you against having items stolen, but check your policy thoroughly to make sure you know what is and what is not covered. You may have expensive items that require higher insurance cover. Alternatively you could be planning to pay a high premium for cover you don´t need. If your money, passport or credit cards are stolen, you need to report the theft straight away at the nearest police station. Also tell the holiday representative at your hotel. Keep a copy of the police statement to claim for insurance, and if your credit card is stolen contact your UK bank as soon as possible or call the emergency number which you should have kept separately. If traveller´s cheques have gone missing, contact the issuing agent.

9. Winter sports insurance for the over 50s

If you are planning a winter sports holiday, don´t leave home without over-50s medical travel insurance. Winter sports holidays are fun, but they are also very dangerous. Skiing and snowboarding are responsible for more injuries than any other type of holiday worldwide. Most skiing accidents are caused by a third party so even if you claim to be the world´s greatest skier, you can still come unstuck. Basic travel insurance policies do not normally include winter sports so check the details carefully before you jet off to the slopes. You may need a comprehensive travel insurance package, or one that will add on winter sports cover, but also make sure you are covered for mountain rescue costs and pre-paid expenses such as ski lifts. Ski resorts are also becoming known for attracting thieves, so keep an eye on your equipment and cash – particularly in the ski lift and in mountain bars and restaurants.

10. The importance of medical travel insurance

Losing money on holiday, being involved in an accident or suffering illness can ruin your trip and seriously damage your wealth. There is nothing worse than sustaining an accident or injury on holiday and not having sufficient medical travel insurance to pay for medical expenses and a trip home. Your injuries will feel a lot worse when you are thousands of miles from home and you have the additional stress of money worries. Make sure you have comprehensive holiday cover if you are over 50, over 60 or over 70, and make sure it includes cover for travellers who already have pre-existing medical conditions. If you have to pay out for prescription drugs and other small expenses, you can claim the money back when you return to the UK, but if you are unfortunate enough to require a hospital stay or undergo surgery, your claim can be sent directly to your travel insurer, once you have contacted them on the emergency number.

If you are travelling to Europe, remember to carry a European Health Insurance Card which will entitle you to reduced-cost or free medical insurance. Keep the card with you, but bear in mind, this is no substitute for full medical travel insurance, which you need to book before you leave the UK.

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Specialist medical travel insurance for the over 50

Special offers over 50´s - Single trips from £3.00

Staysure specialises in medical travel insurance for the over 50s, and we cover over 220 pre-existing conditions at no extra cost to you.


If you are thinking of travelling abroad on holiday but you are worried about finding the best travel insurance to suit your needs, or to cover any pre-existing medical condition, Staysure can give you peace of mind so you can relax on holiday.

Specialist medical insurance for the over 50s offers all the benefits of our standard travel cover, plus cover for most pre-existing medical conditions, at no extra cost. Additional cover for serious pre-existing conditions can also be arranged, and conditions covered include: diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, blindness and epilepsy. Whatever you medical condition is, we can insure you when you travel.

If you want more information or you would like a quotation, fill in our online form or call one of our friendly and informative customer service counsellors, for no obligation advice on 0844 277 0844.

What are the advantages of using Staysure?

The advantages and benefits of using Staysure for all your medical travel insurance needs are:

• Policies are available for travellers up to 85 years of age
• Over 220 pre-existing medical conditions are covered at no extra cost
• More serious conditions are covered through medical screening
• You can arrange medical screening online or through our call centre

Over 50s cheap medical travel insurance

We specialise in cheap over-50s medical travel insurance because we care about our clients. The last thing you need to worry about on holiday is falling ill and not having the medical travel insurance you need. By covering all the ´bases´, we take the hassle away from you, so you can relax in the knowledge that your medical needs will be taken care of if things go wrong.

We have travel insurance for the over 50s, over 60s, over 70s and over 80s, and our cover is perfect for all types of short term and long term trips and holidays. Our medical travel insurance policies range from weekend breaks to 18 month trips around the world.

Staysure is one of the UK´s top travel insurance providers, specialising in over-50s holiday cover. Conditions included in our standard cover include: diabetes and hypertension at no extra cost, and more serious medical conditions can be covered by medical screening.

We pride ourselves on outstanding customer service skills and we offer excellent value and comprehensive travel insurance cover. Whether you choose multi-trip annual insurance or single trip insurance cover, we will arrange your individual policy to suit your requirements. Single trip travel insurance is available in two ways:

1. Basic Policy – this covers emergency medical treatment, personal liability and baggage.

2. Comprehensive Cover – this policy is a complete product which offers medical emergency, cancellation of booking, baggage, loss of passport or personal documents, loss of money and repatriation. Additional cover can include winter sports and golf equipment. Whatever your holiday travel insurance needs are, we can design your insurance cover to suit you.

Even if you have a history of medical problems, Staysure´s single trip insurance covers over 220 pre-existing medical conditions at no extra charge plus more serious illness via medical screening.

Wherever you intend to travel in the UK, Europe or the rest of the world, Staysure has a policy to suit you at an affordable price. For an instant online quote now, fill in the form. If you prefer to speak to one of our friendly staff, call us directly on 0844 277 0844. We look forward to your call.

Single trip over 50s travel insurance with Staysure

If you are thinking of paying for single trip travel insurance, it starts from just £3 per person with Staysure. We cover all destinations including the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Pre-existing medical cover is included for many pre-existing medical conditions, and we cover all ages up to 85. Medical travel insurance cover includes:

• Individual policies to suit your requirements

• Medical screening for serious medical conditions

• Single item upgrades, including winter sports cover or any other additional requests
• Informative and friendly UK staff available 7 days a week to answer any calls
Long stay travel insurance for the over 50s

Our long-stay travel insurance policies cover the over-50s from 3 to 18 months, and prices start from just £36.21.

We can arrange comprehensive medical travel insurance for up to 18 months and whether you are travelling a world tour, a trip to stay with relatives over winter or a long cruise, we can cover you. Long stay travel insurance will give you peace of mind while you are thousands of miles from home, so all you have to worry about is enjoying your trip.

Available for travellers up to 75 years of age, Staysure long term travel insurance policies ensure that you only pay for the cover you need so you never feel you have overpaid. Medical screening is available for people with more serious medical conditions, although over 220 pre-existing conditions are covered at no extra cost.

Another advantage of Staysure over 50s travel insurance is that if you are planning a cruise as part of your trip, it will be included in your holiday insurance cover as part of our comprehensive policy. Cancellation cover for the holiday of up to £5000 per person will also be included in any comprehensive insurance policy.

You can get an instant online quote today or speak to one of our fully trained British staff on 0844 277 0844, who will be happy to take your call.
Staysure offers:

• Competitive prices and tailor-made long term and short term policies

• Cover for over 220 pre-existing medical conditions at no extra cost

• Medical screening for clients with serious medical conditions

• Long term cover for clients up to the age of 75

• Maximum trip duration up to 18 months

• Cruise ship included in comprehensive insurance packages

Additional insurance cover and winter sports for the over 50s

Winter sports cover starts at just over £10 per person, and if you are over 50 and planning a skiing trip, bear in mind that 17 days cover is included as part of our annual multi-trip insurance policies.

Winter sports provide exciting and adventurous holidays for thousands of skiers and snowboarders every year, but they can be dangerous. No matter how good you are on the slopes, most winter sports accidents are caused by a third party, and it is vital you take out winter sports insurance cover before you travel. We will insure you against costly medical bills, loss, damage and holiday delays, so you can enjoy your holiday in the knowledge you are covered if there are any accidents.

If you plan to travel more than once a year, consider Staysure´s Annual Multi-trip cover, which includes 17 days winter sports cover as standard, plus cover for any other trips throughout the year.

Staysure winter sports cover also provides cancellation and baggage cover, plus additional cover for skiing, mono-skiing and snowboarding. If your ski equipment is damaged or delayed, the piste is closed or your pre-booked ski pass is cancelled, we can also insure you against this. We can cover you against any eventuality on the ski slopes.

For a quick quote, fill in our online form or contact one of our friendly team on 0844 277 0844.

Why choose Staysure over 50s winter sports insurance?

There are plenty of reasons to use Staysure for your over 50s winter sports insurance, as we specialise in medical travel insurance policies. Benefits include:

• Policies for travellers up to 65

• Additional cover for mono-skiing, cross country and snow boarding

• Cover for authorised skiing in off-piste areas and many extras

• We cover over 220 pre-existing medical conditions at no extra cost
Staysure Questions and Answers

Travel insurance is important, and as one of the leading travel insurers in the UK, we offer independent policies, and comprehensive cover for all age groups, particularly the over 50s. Our customer service experts can answer any of your questions regarding medical travel insurance, and frequently asked questions include:

1. I am under 50. Can I use Staysure?
2. Will my travel insurance policy cover repatriation?
3. What is the Insurance Premium tax?
4. Can I start my journey from outside the UK?
5. Do I have to declare old medical conditions that have since cleared up?
6. What is an ´excluded´ medical condition?
7. Can I use Staysure if I reside outside the UK?
8. Can I get insurance from Staysure if I am awaiting an operation?
9. Can I cancel my policy if I need to and what costs will be incurred?
10. Can I change my policy if I need to?
11. If my medical or health condition changes, do I need to inform you?
12. Can I renew my policy while I am abroad travelling?
13. Who can I contact if I see a mistake on my policy?
14. Who do I contact if I need to make a claim?
15. Does a ´couple´ only refer to husband and wife?
16. How many people can be included in a ´family´ insurance policy?
17. What is the definition of a single parent?
18. I haven´t received my policy. What can I do?
19. What can I do if I am unable to open my policy documents?
20. What shall I do if I haven´t received my posted policy documents?
21. Do I have to declare high blood pressure if it is under control?
22. What is the maximum trip duration if I have an annual multi-trip policy?
23. How long can I stay away with a single trip policy?
24. Does annual multi-trip insurance include cover in the UK?
25. Does Staysure cover business or voluntary work?
26. Does multi-trip cover include winter sports?


Answers

1. Does Staysure insure the under 50s?

Yes, Staysure insures people from 0-85. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an insured adult and the under 2s go free of charge.

2. Will my travel policy include repatriation?

Yes. All policies include repatriation, but obviously the decision whether to repatriate lies with you.

3. What is Insurance Premium Tax? (IPT)

IPT is a levy dictated by the Government which applies to all insurance policies and travel insurance qualifies for 17.5% tax. Other insurance products only have a rate of 5%, but the 17.5% has nothing to do with VAT, which is currently 15%.

4. Can my holiday insurance cover start from outside the UK?

No. Travel must always start inside the UK (which includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man).

5. Do I have to declare medical conditions suffered over 5 years ago?

You need to declare any past or current medical or psychological sickness, disease, condition, injury or symptom that has caused symptoms, or any form of treatment or prescribed medication and medical consultation, investigation or medical check up required during the 2 years prior to the commencement of the insurance cover. Any cardiovascular or circulatory condition (such as a heart condition, hypertension, blood clots, raised cholesterol, strokes or aneurysm) which has occurred any time must be declared prior to your trip.

6. What does it mean if a medical condition is ´excluded´?

It means that any claim linking directly or indirectly to the excluded condition will not be covered. Cover will still be in place however for any other unrelated insurance claims.

7. Can I use Staysure if I live outside the UK?

No. All Staysure clients must have a UK address and be registered with a UK doctor.

8. Can I take out Staysure insurance if I am currently waiting for an operation?
Yes you can, although the decision to provide cover can only be decided after full medical screening and the underwriters reserve the right to specifically exclude any undiagnosed or suspected conditions.

9. Can I cancel my policy, and will I get a refund?

Yes. Policies are fully refundable within 14 days of booking, as long as travel has not commenced and no potential claim has been started. After 14 days, policies are non-refundable but can be upgraded or changed for an additional premium.

10. Can I change the details of my travel insurance?

Yes - upgrades can be made at any time as long as they are within the terms and conditions of the policy but it is not possible to reduce coverage in return for a refund.

11. Do I need to tell you about any changes to my health?

Yes. Any changes to your health or medical condition since you purchased your policy need to be declared. Underwriters would normally accept new conditions free of charge on a single trip policy but you may need to be screened prior to acceptance if you have a multi-trip policy.

12. Can I renew my policy while I am travelling abroad?


Annual policies can always be renewed to run concurrently by notifying us at least one day before expiry, except in extreme circumstances. If you think you may need to adjust your trip duration, contact us before you leave the UK.

13. Who do I contact if there is a mistake on my insurance policy?

If you see any error on your policy, please call customer services on 0870 046 4560 or e-mail info@staysure.co.uk and we will respond immediately.

14. Who do I contact if I need to claim?

Depending how serious the incident is, you should contact Europ Assistance Holdings Ltd on:

GENERAL TRAVEL INSURANCE CLAIMS – 0844 338 5838
MEDICAL EMERGENCY – 0844 338 5834 or 0044 0844 338 5838 (from abroad).

15. Does a ´couple´ only refer to husband and wife?

A couple is defined as a husband and wife or common-law partners (including same sex partners who have lived at the same address for at least 6 months). If you have multi-trip cover, each adult may travel independently.

16. What is the definition of a ´family´ with regards to a ´family policy?´

A family is defined as husband and wife or common-law partners and dependent children under 18. Your children must be in full time education and/or living with you. Children under 2 are covered free of charge. For annual multi-trip cover, adults can travel independently but the children must travel with at least one of the insured adults on the policy to be covered.

17. What is the definition of a ´single parent?´

A single parent family is defined as one adult and any dependent child under18 years of age who is in full time education or living at home with you. For annual multi-trip insurance cover the adult can travel independently but any child must travel with an insured adult.

18. My policy hasn´t arrived-what can I do?

All of our policy documents are sent by e mail and you should have them within a few minutes of booking where an e mail address is provided. If an e mail is rejected by your internet service provider or for any reason and you have not received your policy within 4 hours of booking, call our customer service department on 0870 508 9886 and we will re-send your documents.

19. I can´t open my e-mail with policy documents- who do I contact?

If you can´t open your policy documents, which we will have sent to you as a PDF file, you may need to download Adobe reader if it is not already installed on your computer. This is free and you can download it from http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader. If you still have problems contact our customer services department on 0870 508 9886, and a member of staff will be happy to help.

20. Who do I contact if my posted policy fails to arrive?

Allow 5 working days for your policy to arrive through the post. If you have not received your policy after 5 days, call customer services on 0870 508 9886 who will arrange to re-send your documents.

21. Do I have to declare medical conditions if they are being controlled?
Yes, you must disclose this information to us, even though it may not cost you any more for your travel insurance.

22. What is the maximum trip duration if I have an annual multi-trip policy?
This varies depending on your age. If you are currently under 65 or you were under 65 when you took out the travel insurance policy, the standard maximum trip duration is 50 days. This can be extended to 100 days for a small additional cost but if you are aged between 66 and 80 the maximum trip duration is 35 days and this cannot be extended.

23. What is the maximum trip duration for a single trip/long stay policy?

This varies according to your age and destination, and you can check out this information when you speak to one of our advisors.

24. Doe multi-trip travel insurance for the over 50s include travel within the UK?

Yes. Travel within the UK is covered as long as the trip lasts for at least 2 nights and includes pre-booked travel or accommodation or is more than 25 miles from your home (not including a sea crossing).

25. Does my insurance policy cover any work I may undertake on my trip?

Staysure policies don´t normally cover any manual work unless it is undertaken on a voluntary basis. Cover does not include installation, assembly, maintenance or repair of heavy electrical, mechanical or hydraulic equipment or working at heights above 3 metres. If you plan to carry out any work, voluntary or not, while covered by a Staysure travel insurance policy, mention it when you speak to one of our advisors and they will advise you about your cover.

26. Does multi-trip travel insurance cover winter sports?

Our basic annual multi-trip travel insurance policy does not provide winter sports coger but all other policies include up to 17 days cover as standard which can be extended to 31 days for a small additional premium. Note that the 17 days free cover can be shared over several trips.

If you are looking for a competitive travel insurance quote, contact the over 50s specialists Staysure and one of our friendly staff will give you information about our policies. Contact us at www.staysure.co.uk or call us on 0844 277 0844. Our UK staffed call centre is open from Monday to Friday: 8.30am-9pm, Saturday: 8.30am-6pm and Sunday: 10am-6pm. We look forward to your call.

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