TOWERGATE INSURANCE BROKERSHANDY HINTS WHEN TRAVELLING

2

GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL

Whether it’s a trip of a lifetime or a short break, holidays are a chance to provide a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

However, the organising of the trip can take a lot of effort beforehand, and particularly if you or a loved one are living with a pre-existing medical condition and/or a disability, a lot more thought and planning is required.

As providers of specialist travel insurance, Towergate Insurance Brokers have prepared some tips to help you having a relaxing and enjoyable holiday and reduce the risk of accident, illness or simple inconvenience whilst you are away from home.

BEFORE YOU GO

– ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS

– HOLIDAY EXTRAS

– PASSPORTS / VISAS

– MEDICATIONS, INOCULATIONS AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

– INSURANCE

3

ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS

As part of your travel plans, you need to make sure you consider any assistance or specialist requirements you may have.

In order to ensure you get the help you need, it is important you consider your requirements before you travel. It is therefore important to check that any airports, hotels, car rental companies and so on can meet your requirements.

Think of everything you might need on a trip such as accessible car hire or meals that meet any dietary requirements.

HOLIDAY EXTRAS

We have teamed up with the UK’s leading provider of airport essentials to make sure your trip is stress-free.

Whether you have a pre-existing medical condition or disability, or you find travelling a little more difficult, our convenient range of airport hotels, car parks and lounges are there to ensure you get the help you need, making your travelling experience easier and more enjoyable.

• Airport Hotels – disabled friendly hotels available with or without parking

• Airport Parking – discount if booked in advance with Meet and Greet option available

• Airport Lounges – take away the hustle and bustle of traveling

Additional Peace of Mind

Travelling can be expensive and you want to be reassured you have the best value for money. With this in mind, Holiday Extras guarantee that if you find these services cheaper elsewhere, they will provide you with a full refund meaning you can book with confidence and start focusing on your holiday.

To find out more or to book your holiday extras, please visit: https://www.holidayextras.co.uk/?agent=TGATE]

4

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

It is worth remembering that some countries require you to have at least six months left on your passport before you can enter and of course, visa requirements vary widely.

If you need to apply for a passport for the first time, allow plenty of time as the process can take up to six weeks, particularly during busy periods.

Handy TipMake sure that everyone in your party is aware of any entry requirements and that they have a valid passport: the last thing you want is for you to gain entry but someone who you rely on is denied entry.

a�Take note of and safely store your passport number in case it is lost or stolen, and you need to apply for an emergency replacement via the British embassy (the location of which you have noted before travelling!)

a It’s also worth letting someone you trust in the UK have your contact and insurance details in case of an emergency.

a Take another means of identification with you, preferably with a photograph.

a Write the full details of your next of kin in your passport.

5

MEDICATIONS, INOCULATIONS AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

The NHS provides a handy destination-by destination health guide which includes inoculation advice: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx

Handy TipYou will need to see approval from airlines and airports to carry your medicines and be able to provide supporting documentation such as a GP’s letter or a copy of a prescription to prove you require them.

If you are not used to flying and don’t know how it may affect your medical conditions, speak to your GP about this as they will be able to guide you through any considerations you need to make.

Research and receive 6-8 weeks before travelling any inoculations you may require against illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, yellow fever and Hepatitis A.

a Order enough prescription medications you take to cover the length of stay and, for added reassurance, for a bit longer if possible.

a If you plan on being away for a significant length of time, talk through your travel plans with your doctor to ensure you can access necessary medications.

a Make sure your medicines are safely stowed and accessible.

When travelling, keep enough for your journey and a couple of days more in your hand luggage whilst storing the rest in your hold luggage.

a Once at your destination keep them in your room safe if your accommodation has one.

6

INSURANCE

IMPORTANT – You should never travel without appropriate travel insurance

This might seem to be stating the obvious, but research by The Association of British Travel Agents found that 24% of us travelled without insurance – whilst 20% of travellers visited a hospital or doctor whilst abroad.

You can find useful advice on what to look for in an insurance policy on the Foreign Office website. We would also recommend that you consider your specific situation, for example, if you need to travel with a carer, will you be covered for a replacement if they are taken ill or injured? The same too for any prescription medications which you may rely on.

IMPORTANT – When applying for insurance, make sure you fully disclose any pre-existing conditions.

Do not be tempted to gloss over the truth in the hope of getting a lower premium because should you need to make a claim, an insurer may well decline it – potentially leaving you high and dry, and out of pocket, far from home.

We strongly recommend you consider choosing a specialist travel insurance policy that specialises in protecting pre-existing medical conditions. A standard travel policy whilst being cheaper, is highly unlikely to offer the protection you need should you have a significant disability of pre-existing condition.

Look to cover the whole party with the one provider so that in the event the holiday needs to be cancelled because of a medical condition or curtailed because you became unwell, they can claim under the policy.

REMEMBER

Don’t forget to take your travel insurance documentation with you.

7

TOWERGATE INSURANCE BROKERS TRAVEL INSURANCE – CREATED WITH YOU IN MIND

Our travel policy has been created specifically to serve people with pre-existing medical conditions, providing comprehensive travel insurance as well as offering specific benefits, such as:

• Emergency replacement of prescription medicines

• Cover for mobility and disability equipment

• 24/7 emergency assistance

We are also able to provide cover for 94% of people.

What this means for you is:

• Convenience – you can be covered in just one short phone call with no separate referral for medical screening

• Hassle-free – Our medical screening process has been designed to be quick, friendly and hassle free

• Empowerment – The price you pay is based on your unique circumstances and how the medical condition(s) specifically affects you

• Reassurance – we can cover the whole travelling party not just those with pre-existing conditions or disabilities

• Support – our experienced team have an understanding of daily living with a pre-existing medical condition or disability

• Freedom – we have a UK only cover option that calculates your premium on the cost of the holiday only

To get a quote online please visit: www.towergate.com or call one of our experienced advisers on: 0330 123 5148.

8

LUGGAGE AND MONEY

Handy TipRemember you cannot take more than 100ml of liquid on an aircraft (except prescribed medication) and this must be carried in a container placed inside a transparent resealable bag.

LUGGAGE

a Weigh your hand and hold luggage to check you are not exceeding allowances or to calculate and assess charges you may need to pay.

aUse locks on your suitcases and bags.

a�Use easily identifiable, personalised tags/stickers so you can spot your luggage on the carousel.

a�Do not write your address on your labels as this could make your property a target for thieves.

MONEY

a Order currency, traveller’s cheques and travel cards well in advance of travelling.

a Check charges for using your debit or credit cards for cash withdrawals and purchases as these can prove useful and reasonably cost effective.

a Check the expiry date on your debit/credit cards.

a Find out if traveller’s cheques/travel cards are appropriate for your destination.

MOBILE PHONES

a If you’re planning on using your mobile phone, check with your provider that you’ll have network access in the countries you are visiting.

a Beware of talk and data roaming charges; to avoid hefty bills go into your phones settings and switch off data roaming or set a data limit.

a Make sure your phone is password protected.

a If you need / want access to the internet, check if your accommodation has free Wi-Fi and its availability elsewhere.

To read the restrictions, visit: www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions

9

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

aIf you have milk or newspapers delivered don’t forget to cancel them.

a�If possible, ask a neighbour to check that no post, leaflets or free newspapers are left hanging out of your letter box.

a�Use a timer(s) to set a light(s) on – and perhaps a talk radio station to come on whilst you are away.

aTurn off anything that doesn’t need to be left on.

aEmpty your fridge of any perishable foods.

a�Turn down your heating – although in winter, it’s advisable to set your timer so it comes on once a day.

FLYING

PREPARING TO TRAVEL

a Try and ensure you reserve a good seat. Even within the same class and fare some seats are much better than others.

a Consider an aisle or exit row seat to provide more leg room, or a window seat if you want to sleep.

a Try and avoid seats near toilets as other passengers will be using these and may bump or knock you.

a Consider bringing your own food if you have special dietary requirements.

a Prepare a first aid kit and take it with you – include rehydration sachets.

a You should tell the airline about any disability at least 48 hours before departure.

DURING YOUR JOURNEY

a Try and move around, particularly important when on a long journey.

a Drink plenty of water.

a Wear comfortable clothes.

a Stretch often during the journey.

a Try and relax.

GETTING AROUNDIf you use a wheelchair, rather than taking yours abroad, consider hiring locally. If you use a powered wheelchair this is probably going to be your only practical option.

Remember that airlines and airports will offer wheelchair assistance to get you to the gate and on an aircraft, as will many rail companies and stations: but check, book and confirm before you travel.

10

ON YOUR TRAVELS

Whilst it is important to enjoy your holidays and make the most of your experience, you should remain vigilant and take extra care to protect yourself and your belongings. If possible, keep your passport in a room or hotel safe.

A RESPECT AGENDA

a Respect local laws, customs and the people: dress and behave in a manner appropriate to your hosts.

a Ask before taking pictures of people of their property and make sure you are permitted to use your camera when photographing buildings which may be sensitive such as military or secure facilities.

a Try learning a few simple phrases in the local language: it’s often really appreciated and, who knows, might mean you enjoy better service!

DRESS SENSE

a any difficulties you may have should you need to change clothes on arrival.

a Pack clothes to suit the climate, culture and social occasions.

a Consider what to wear when travelling bearing in mind the local weather conditions and

a Don’t forget that you’ll need something to wear for the journey home when you get back to the UK.

a Roll rather than fold clothes to prevent creases.

TIPPLE TIPS

An obvious point we know but be careful with alcohol. Drink can lower your defences, impair your reactions, skew your thinking and help get you into awkward situations. Excessive alcohol consumption can also invalidate your insurance.

On the flipside, if you’re in hot or humid countries, or engaging in physical activity, keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water from a safe supply; if in doubt, use bottled.

11

YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST

EARLY DOORS

ON THE DAY

ITEM NOTES

Accessibility Consider every aspect of your journey and stay: getting to and across airports, airline seating, transport at your destination, wheelchair hire, accommodation. If possible, book with a disabled travel specialist.

Inoculations Check if vaccinations are required or recommended. Some countries may require an International Certificate of vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before allowing entry.

Passport Confirm validity. Allow plenty of time for renewal and up to 6 weeks for new passports.

Visas Check requirements and apply well in advance. Some countries may require you to attend an embassy interview.

Currency/travellers cheques

Order two weeks before departure.

Insurance Buy appropriate cover; read your policy documents and store the policy reference securely.

Mobile phone Check network coverage and data roaming.

Medications Order enough to cover your period of travel and a little bit more. If possible, take a repeat prescription with you.

Research Read a decent travel guide so you know what to expect.

ITEM NOTES

Secure your home Lock all windows and doors, set light timers and if possible, keep cars in a garage.

Switch off appliances Switch off what you don’t need to leave on.

Empty fridge of any perishables

Set heating or turn off water

Set heating on low and on a timer or switch off water to prevent burst pipes in winter.

Check for flight delays Check all your tickets, visas, passports etc have arrived.

Tickets, documents, passport & money

Stow these somewhere safe yet accessible, such as a money belt.

IN THE IMMEDIATE RUN-UPITEM NOTES

Cancel newspapers/ milk

Pay any urgent bills

Plan your route to the airport

If you’re driving, make sure you can access appropriate parking – pre-booking is advisable. Note down airline/taxi/parking contact details in case you are delayed.

Insurance Give your policy to a trusted friend or family member along with your travel itinerary.

Tickets & documents Check all your tickets, visas, passports etc have arrived.

Home security Give a set of keys and any alarm code to a trusted friend/family member. If you have a response alarm service, advise your provider that you will be away. Consider purchasing timers for lights/radio. Ask a neighbour to push post etc. through your letterbox whilst you’re away.

Baggage allowance Check hold and hand luggage allowances with your airline.

Luggage Decide what you’ll need to put in your hand luggage, in particular your medications. Remember the restrictions on liquids. Pack and weigh the day before travel.

Check-in online Do this up to a month before you travel

Re-confirm your flight Do this the day before you travel

Towergate is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England with company number 4043759. VAT Registration Number: 447284724. Registered Address: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Rd, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

USEFUL LINKSTRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office: Extensive General and country specific travel advice. www.gov.uk/travelaware Gov.uk offers advice and tips on air travel forPeople with disabilities.www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/planes Tourism for All: Charity site offering advice andInformation on accessible UK holidays. www.tourismforall.org.uk

Call our team on 0330 123 5148 or visit www.towergate.com