Worldwide Travel Insurance

Surf The Internet For The Best Travel Insurance Companies
Travel insurance can be an expensive part of the cost of travelling abroad, so it is particularly important to make enquiries about the alternative premiums available.
Specialist travel insurance companies are where you are likely to find the lowest premiums.
I have found that, even among the specialist companies, premiums vary widely. Where senior citizens are concerned, some companies even refuse to quote.
You can buy policies that cover a single trip, a long stay or annual multi trips (for many trips over a year long period).


Form E111 and the Treatment of Health Problems in the EU
The UK has reciprocal health agreements with a number of countries, which would allow you to receive the equivalent of NHS care (you must remember to take a copy of form E111 along with you - this is available from your local Post Office). You should be aware that these agreements do not normally cover rescue costs should you fall ill whilst away from the main centres of population, nor will they provide cover for your repatriation to the UK.

If you're travelling in Europe, make sure you've got a new E111 certificate as well as your travel insurance. If you've already got an E111, you should check to see whether it's still valid. If it's not, you'll need to apply for a new one.

Because of changes in EU law, E111 forms issued before 19 August 2004 aren't valid any more. If your form has an expiry date of 31 December 2005 at the bottom, it's valid until that date. If there's no expiry date, you'll need to apply for a new form for each member of your family - including children - who plans to travel in Europe in 2005.

New European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
From 31 December 2005 E111's will be replaced by a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

From 1 September 2005, you'll also be able to apply for an EHIC online through www.dh.gov.uk/travellers, by post or by phone. The Department of Health will be putting the details on the website closer to the date, and there'll also be ads in the newspapers.


Travellers Aged Over 65 Years
This is where things can become more difficult.
Insurers seem to believe that people over 65 (in some cases over 61) are more likely to make costly claims for medical care so the cost of cover can be double the premium of someone under 65. Some insurers won't cover people over 65 at all, so always check the age limit before buying a policy and get quotes from providers who aim to offer older travellers a good deal.

Comparative Quotes
Obtain several online quotations and compare the prices, the cover provided and the limitations.