Your summer insurance questions answered

*Please note, you must check the specifics of your own insurance policy.

A standard travel insurance policy will cover for a range of activities. However, if you are planning on certain water sports such as diving, you may need to buy additional cover. You should also check that your policy covers sports equipment, like golf clubs. Remember that higher-risk activities such as riding a quad bike or moped might not be covered.

Your bank (or other provider of travel insurance) should offer you an easy way to check your cover. Make sure you do this before going away. The policy is likely underwritten by an insurance company, and they may require you to complete some details such as pre-existing medical conditions and any medication you or your family are taking. They will likely want details of the trip you are taking and who is going i.e. children, partner etc. You will also need to check the policy covers you for certain destinations, such as the USA, and what activities, sports equipment and high value items it covers. It’s also worth noting down how to contact the insurer, should you need to while you are away.

This can surprise people, but yes, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance for a holiday at home. Policies can cover for delays and cancellations as well as other eventualities. 

YTravel insurance is designed to provide peace of mind if you fall ill on holiday and pay for medical treatment. It’s really important to tell your insurer about any medical conditions you have, and all medications you are taking. Failing to do so can invalidate your cover and could lead to you facing an expensive bill should you require medical treatment.

Definitely check your policy. It’s not always standard for a travel insurance policy to cover every country, especially the USA, or countries/regions that the government have listed as unsafe for UK visitors. You can check the government’s current advice. 

Most motor policies won’t require you to take out different insurance for towing. However, a caravan will need separate insurance to cover it for things like damage or theft. If you are fitting a tow bar to your vehicle then you should contact your insurer as it may be classed as a modification. Always ensure you use a towbar compatible with your vehicle and it is fitted securely[MH1] [GU2]  by a qualified installer.

Using a roof rack shouldn’t require any changes to your motor insurance policy, as long as it’s being used safely and appropriately. Always ensure you use a roof rack compatible with your vehicle and it is fitted securely.

Definitely check your policy on this one. Most standard car insurance policies extend to give minimum cover within the EU, but minimum cover could depend on the country you travel to. Most policies also allow you to extend to fully comprehensive cover, or the cover on your policy, for a fee and/or for a limited period of time. 

When you take out a hire car, the hire company will usually include insurance in the price or ask you about what level of insurance you would need. Don’t rely on your own insurance policy to cover you for driving a hire car. Remember that higher-risk activities such as riding a quad bike or moped might not be covered. If in doubt, speak to your insurer.

Standard home insurance policies do have conditions around renting out your property. If you were being paid, then there would likely be changes you need to make to the type of insurance you have. Insurance policies can also be affected if a home is left unoccupied for an extended period of time, which is important to know if you’re planning a longer trip.