Honeymoon Insurance: What to Look For

The thought of a medical emergency, or the theft of your luggage or credit cards is probably not something you want consider when your planning your dream honeymoon, yet as even the most minor of calamities could cause you severe inconvenience and hassle, honeymoon insurance is a must.

When booking your cover, make sure your provider knows every detail of your trip and that nothing is overlooked - do not try to scrimp on the policy by failing to declare the carriage of an expensive item, or your plans to experience an extreme sport or activity. It could prove an extremely costly mistake in the long run!

Doing your Homework

Your travel agent will undoubtedly offer you travel insurance when you book your holiday, however, shopping around could get you a more competitive and bespoke policy that completely suits your needs.

If you are organising your own holiday package - booking your own accommodation, excursions, travel etc, it is even more important to thoroughly research your insurance policy and ensure it covers every aspect of your trip.

Nothing to Declare?

Before obtaining a quote for your honeymoon insurance, make a list of everything you need from the policy - something are additional to standard policies, such as winter or 'extreme' sports.

Generally, you should expect your honeymoon policy to cover you in the event of:

• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation/return home
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Cancellation of holiday
• Curtailment of holiday
• Delayed departure to resort
• Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including your travel documents, passport etc.)
• Delayed or lost baggage (and the emergency replacement of essential items)
• Legal assistance in the event of a claim

Additionally, on your honeymoon, you may wish to closely examine your cover to ensure it covers - if applicable:

All the sports/activities you will be undertaking whilst away

The loss/damage of any wedding gifts you have taken with you

Your wedding dress/wedding trousseau if you have married abroad and have your dress with you.

Any pre-existing health and medical conditions - always give a true declaration of your state of health and be sure that your policy affords you enough cover in the event of emergency treatment or hospitalisation.

What Doesn't It Include?

Each policy will have it's own inclusions and exclusions, but as a general rule of thumb, most companies will not offer cover for:

Severe pre-existing medical conditions

'Acts of God' which could include earthquakes, volcano eruptions, extreme weather such as floods, droughts or tropical storms.

What About the European Health Insurance Card?

The European Health Insurance Card has replaced the old E111 form, and can be applied for online. Your European Health Insurance Card will entitle you to free or reduced-cost medical care in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, but you should still take out additional insurance as it will only cover you for injury or illness whilst you are away, and only if you are in an EEC country. The card covers chronic disease and pre-existing illness, but you should discuss this with your physician to organise suitable care whilst abroad.