3 Questions to Keep In Mind When Purchasing Family Holiday Insurance

In this day and age, purchasing family holiday insurance has become one of the staples of travel - much like having GPS-enabled cameras, phones with 3G capability, or luggage with RFID trackers. While once these items seemed frivolous and unnecessary expenses, over time they have proven that the benefits greatly outweigh the costs. Ever more importantly, they greatly enhance the experience of travel, making it safer, simpler, and more enjoyable - from the moment you leave on your trip to long after you have returned home.

Like the above-mentioned gadgets, family holiday insurance has evolved from being a luxury to an indispensable travel standard. The benefits of having it are multiple and incontrovertible - however, like these gadgets, the benefits are best enjoyed by those who know what they need before they make their purchases (do research) and those who take the time to get to know the capacities of their gadgets (read the manual).

Buying family holiday insurance, like all group-based purchases, can be simpler and cheaper than purchasing a policy for a single person. Listed below are a few questions you need to keep in mind when negotiating an appropriate policy.

Just Who Are Your Family Members?

The definition of ‘family’ has evolved in the modern age. Gone are the days when the unit was automatically Mum, Dad and the kids. Today the term can mean everything from step-parents and step-siblings, to adopted family, extended family, found families, and even family pets! Unfortunately, however, the law’s definition is not as all encompassing as that of society at large. For example, in some standard contracts, ‘family members’ are limited to legally wed parents and children residing at the same address, which can present some problems for children of divorced parents or for grandparents who live elsewhere. The good news is, a reputable company will help customise a policy specific to the needs of your unique situation.

What Are the Ages of Your Family Members?

Just as with most group services, family holiday insurance can mean savings in the form of discounts. However, one of the bases of these discounts is the ages of the group members. For examples, airlines often have promotions where children under a certain age travel with their parents for free or at a huge discount. In the same vein, senior citizens are also subject to special rates. Make sure you discuss the ages of your group members and how they affect your rates when buying a policy.

What Are Your Health Status and Existing Medical Conditions?

Because medical and emergency coverage is one of the cornerstones of insurance, making sure you have clearly and accurately declared the existing health conditions of your family members is imperative. Having your family checked and given a health clearance by your physician for your trip will not only give you greater peace of mind (especially if you are travelling with children or seniors), but it can also greatly simplify the process of seeking reimbursements or claims, should it be necessary.