Extended Holidays - What To Remember

Cover all the bases

It might not just be a week or two that you're planning to go away for. Whether it's a backpacking trip or a well-earned sabbatical, if you intend to stay overseas for a few months then long stay travel insurance is a good idea.

According to the Extended Holidays Survey published by market researchers ORB in 2003, one in five Brits has considered or taken an extended holiday of three months or more.

• The figures also showed that Londoners are the most likely to take an extended trip and the Welsh the least likely.
• Youngsters between 18 and 24 are most likely to take off for a marathon break but the popularity of these trips is increasing amongst 'silver' travellers aged 55-64.

Designed with the serious traveller in mind, a good long stay travel insurance policy will protect you against the unexpected and will typically cover:

• Emergency medical treatment and expenses plus emergency repatriation if required.
• Personal liability and personal accident claims.
• Reimbursement for cancellation if you're ill or injured before you go.
• Travel delay.
• Lost or stolen baggage and possessions.
• Legal expenses with advice helpline.

While you're away, it's worth following our safety tips:

Choose your destination carefully

• DO check what visas you require - particularly if you want to work.
• DO give yourself plenty of time for applications to be processed.
• DO check your passport will still be valid by the time you return!
• Do check advice from the FCO

Prepare yourself

• DO buy a good long stay travel insurance policy and double-check exclusions.
• DO check your cover limits for valuables.
• Do check if you are covered for working abroad.
• Cancel any deliveries at home and get someone to check on your home.
• Take your car off the road and notify your car insurance company. Get a SORN declaration.

Travel light

• DON'T take more than you need - you can buy everyday things when you're there.
• Consider leaving expensive valuables at home.

Get a medical check-up

• DO see your GP and dentist for a check up before you go.
• DO check what vaccinations you need and keep a note of any medication.
• DO take a travel first aid kit - you can buy them at any good chemists.

Get your finances in order

• DO take traveller's cheque and some local currency.
• DO set up direct debits to cover any payments you need to make while you're away.
• DO open a local bank account if you're staying in one place for the duration.

Keep in touch

• DO let your friends and family know your itinerary so that they know your movements and will be able to contact you in an emergency.
• DO take your mobile phone, buy a global sim card or buy a new mobile phone when you get there as it could be cheaper.
• DO use email - you'll be able to log on in even some of the remotest places!

Stay safe

• DO keep your possessions safe - and tickets, money, travel insurance documents and passport in a safe if you can.
• DO check where the no-go areas are - and avoid them.
• DO travel with a companion if you can.
• DO check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office recommendations on its 'Know Before You Go' website.

 

Travel Insurance from Norwich Union

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