Why it might be worth taking out travel insurance this summer

Everyone knows that it is essential to have travel insurance before traveling abroad (ideally you should buy it as soon as you book a vacation or a plane).

You don’t have to cross your fingers, but if you run into any issues, don’t expect to be able to organize it, as many travelers have experienced in recent weeks.
go back home.

In February, my husband traveled to Rome to watch Italy-Six Nations England. And although he boarded the plane, his luggage did not arrive for some reason.

I was at home when I found her bag left in Manchester.
So I immediately called Coverwise Travel Insurance (part of Axa). I knew they were looking for evidence to handle the complaint, so I wanted to know exactly what I needed.

After a bit of effort, I get the details and receive the form needed to order the package and the receipt for the item I need to buy before (or if) the bag shows up. I gave the reminder to my spouse.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t always work out. There was a problem when the complaint was made. The first Coverwise said we weren’t in the right shape (we did, but it was Italian). They finally got it, so we’re glad to hear we got it. Without this form, I would not have had a chance.

But that was not the end. The insurance company also said it needed proof that the airline had already covered some or all of its claims. The policy document appears to contain “other relevant information that you may request in connection with your claim under this section.”

After four months of effort, Poland-based Enter Air finally confirmed it and Coverwise filed a processing request (no payment required). Hopefully this is enough to get your money back.

So while this is a story for us, it’s a good idea to take a copy of the Terms of Service with you when you travel and call your carrier to get the proof you need.

Andy’s Best Buys: Spend Free Abroad & Get Cash Back

Using a debit or credit card abroad usually costs a lot of taxes, but there are some that are free. Even better, some will give you extra cash back.

My top pick is the Chase Bank debit card, which offers 1% on domestic and international purchases within 12 months. However, opening an account now takes 3-5 weeks, so it makes sense to apply now (for the application only) and prepare before the school holidays.

If you need something sooner, you should consider some credit cards. Barclaycard Rewards Cards will refund 0.25% for every pound spent and will charge no interest on foreign cash withdrawals.

Alternatively, your Halifax Clarity Credit Card will come with a 20 cash back bonus after 90 days of use (you can apply by June 29). As with any credit card, be sure to clean up your monthly balance to avoid paying interest.

You can also check your Curve card, link it to your existing cashback, reward yourself with Visa or Mastercard, use it for free this summer and earn basic points (like the BA Avios card). Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with American Express.

One thing to avoid: Santander has launched a 1% cashback offer with one of the foreign credit cards if you spend €500,500 abroad before September 18. However, there is a commission of 2.95% for each “Daily” Santander card. For foreign currency and all-in-one transactions, you will be paid £3 per month. This does not include additional income.

Andy Webb is an award-winning blogger and podcaster for Be Clever With Your Cash. Follow Andy through @andyclevercash on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

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