Travel Insurance Protects
The FCO is the first place to check out any dangers that might be encountered when going on holiday. A recent prominent example is the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico. The FCO warned against any absolutely necessary travel to Mexico because of the risk of infection. Many tour operators provided alternative holidays for their customers and those with travel insurance could claim back the cost of any cancelled arrangements.
But now the ban has been raised as the threat recedes. Unfortunately those who fear swine flu and no longer want to go to Mexico are not entitled to a refund, unless there happens to be other legitimate reasons to stay at home. The opposite also applies. People who ignore the FCO warnings put themselves at risk, because they will be invalidating their travel insurance.
The status of countries varies al the time, so check updates regularly. Their advice is also regional, meaning that one area or city may be off-limits in an otherwise safe country. An example would be Turkey, where some of the major cities such as Ankara have experienced terrorist activity recently, but most parts are safe to travel to.
If it happens that the travel company is responsible for disrupting or cancels your holiday they should give you an alternative or your money back. However, they are not obliged to compensate you for any disturbance, inconvenience or disruption caused. They might if you are lucky.
If all goes well and you arrive where you should have and on time, you should also reduce the risk of becoming ill whilst abroad. Most of it is common sense. If the guidebook warns against drinking tap water, then obviously dont do it. Washing your hands is often even more important abroad, particularly in hot countries, than at home, and is the simplest way to avoid the transmission of germs and bacteria.
When dining out or cooking yourself make sure meat is properly cooked, so that any germs have been killed in the cooking process. White meats should be pale and of an even colour, with no traces of pinkish opaque flesh showing through. The juices that flow from white meat when cooked should be clear, not pink or bloody. Red meats obviously arent necessarily well done and can be bloody.
Other situations could be political, such as the Bangkok airport protests last autumn. Anti-government protesters blocked the airport and effectively shut it down. Whilst the protest was not violent, it caused much disruption. In a situation like this the protection offered by a travel insurance policy is indispensable, allowing for alternative flights and compensation to be awarded.
The bottom line is, anything can happen. So whilst you shouldn't be put off travelling overseas by the dangers or inconveniences that may occur, you should buy a decent travel insurance policy to give you peace of mind and make sure youre protected.
Make sure you are always covered in any situation, AA Travel Insurance offer comprehensive holiday travel insurance at great rates. For cheap travel insurance visit them at aatravelinsurance.com.