For military personnel, taking time off for a holiday is a valuable opportunity to recharge, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy a break from the demands of Military life. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an action-packed holiday travel insurance should be top of your holiday check-list.
Stories of travellers getting stranded overseas with huge medical bills and injuries that are so serious they are unable to fly home are commonplace in the media with families desperately trying to raise thousands of pounds to get them home. A recent story hit local news of a young soldier serving in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) who slipped off the edge of the waterfall while taking a picture. His girlfriend and family were raising money to pay his medical bills and get him home in the absence of any travel insurance.
Accidents unfortunately do happen when they are least expected and having the right insurance in place protects you from the unexpected. Military life also brings unique challenges and uncertainties, which makes having the right travel insurance in place even more important.
Why do the military need travel insurance?
Time off as part of the armed forces often comes with added complexities—sudden deployments or changes in duty can mean your holiday plans have to change.
It is very important that you choose the correct trip cover and before you buy you are aware of what it covers including the unplanned call-up. Will you be covered if you have to cancel your leave? As well as considering your military lifestyle have you planned to take part in specific activities during your trip? You will need to make sure those are covered too.
You should also check international, national, and regional travel guidelines before you travel. Your cover may be affected if government restrictions impact your trip and your insurance won’t be valid if you travel against medical advice.
Types of Travel Insurance for those in the Military
Depending on your situation and travel purpose, you’ll want to choose a policy that fits your needs: ·
– Single-Trip Insurance or Annual Multi Trip: Ideal for one-off holidays or if you travel frequently it might be worth considering an annual policy (just be sure to check you are covered for all your planned destinations)
– Travel insurance for those with a medical condition or disability: This is specialist insurance giving everyone the opportunity to travel and not be held back by medical conditions or a disability. The insurance is designed to give you adequate protection and peace of mind leading up to and during your trip, including cover for trip cancellations.
– Military Adventurous Training Insurance: This is specialist military group travel insurance for those going on military training or exercise.
Affordability & Relevance
Your financial situation may change over time, and it’s important that your cover remains affordable and relevant to your current circumstances. Regular reviews can help ensure you’re paying for protection that suits your needs today.
Key things to consider when taking out military travel insurance
When choosing travel insurance here’s our top things to think about:
✔ Military Cancellation Cover: Check if the policy covers unexpected cancellations due to deployment
✔ Medical cover: Ensure the policy includes evacuation, hospitalisation, and support for injuries or illness
✔ Travel delays and cancellations
✔Cover for all: If you are travelling with family ensure you have everyone covered