UK and Ireland tours are a popular choice among Australian seniors. There are historic cities, castles, gardens, and relaxed coach or small-group itineraries all of which are attractive. However, long-distance travel, fluctuating weather and sightseeing days may make the occurrence of unexpected events more likely.
And that is why senior travellers need travel insurance cover.
Medical costs can add up quickly
Although the UK has mutual healthcare agreements with Australia, it is not comprehensive and does is not a substitute for travel insurance. It usually does not cover such things as:
- ambulance transport
- specialists or private hospitals
- medications
- evacuation or repatriation
Even repatriation to Australia can be extremely costly
Higher likelihood of medical events
In the case of seniors, during travel in the UK and Ireland, the chances of unforeseen circumstances are high, even with a well-planned tour, because of a mix of factors such as:
- slips or falls on cobblestones or uneven streets
- cold or flu complications in winter
- heart or circulation issues on long flights
- flare-ups of existing medical conditions
Trip cancellation protection
The costs of travel, tours and accommodation are usually paid long before the date of departure. Some of these payments are usually non-refundable, even in case you need to cancel your trip, by a given date.
In case of a severe medical incident to you or a close family member or travelling companion and a medical practitioner confirms that you or they are unable to travel, non-refundable payments may be covered by comprehensive travel insurance.
Travel delays and missed connections cover
Bad weather and industrial action are common events in Europe that can contribute to rail or airline delays or missed connections. Accommodation and meal expenses can be covered by comprehensive travel insurance in case you miss your connections due to specified reasons in your travel insurance policy.
24-hour emergency assistance
Should you fall ill seriously or get injured in the UK or Ireland, you or your travel companion can call the emergency assistance provider of your travel insurer to locate the nearest recommended doctor or hospital. A dedicated case manager will then liase with you and the doctor or hospital to help manage the interaction and payment.
And in case the travel insurance and emergency assistance providers determine that treatment is best administered in Australia, the emergency assistance provider will facilitate medical repatriation by commercial airlines or even a specialist accompanied ambulance flight should the need arise.
This is not like the normal customer service where you have to wait until you get home to call and get the help you need, but 24 hours a day and any time of the day or night, this is real-time support that you can count on.
Final things to consider
When you are planning to tour the UK and Ireland, you ought to consider purchasing travel insurance immediately you buy your airfares or make deposits on tours and accommodation. Comprehensive travel insurance is about protecting your health and non-refundable deposits. And 24/7 emergency assistance is just a phone call away.
