Did Murphy the Gnome Have Travel Insurance for His Trip?

We’re just wondering if Murphy’s captor and travel companion purchased travel insurance for him – especially as Murphy engaged in some very dangerous activities like standing in a shark’s mouth and abseiling down mountains!  The medical bills after he lost his feet must have been staggering - especially if the accident happened in the U.S.!

While we don’t condone theft of any kind, what a wonderful prank to cheer us up during the rainy days of a UK summer.  Murphy was returned to his original spot in the garden after being taken on a seven-month trip of a lifetime.   His amazed owner found him, along with a note and photo album of his adventures - which included crossing three continents and a dozen countries. The gnome-napper, a law graduate from Reading University, was taking a gap year before joining the Marines.  However, it seems that gnome-napping (or is it gnome-gapping?) is nothing new, and it was also the theme of the French film Amelie starring Audrey Tautou.

How can poor old Murphy be content with a life of ‘kneeling’ in the garden and being used as a toilet for passing neighbourhood pets after such an adventure? Sadly, as gnomes are exclusively male he doesn’t have much chance of finding the gnomette of his dreams.  Besides, although his ancestors came from Germany most of the reproducing goes on in China these days.

Gnomes are often sneered at as working class – and were even banned from the Chelsea Flower Show – but we think Murphy deserves a bit more respect after such a brave adventure.  Gnomes are actually quite famous and were even included in the Harry Potter books – where they live in the gardens of Muggles.  If Murphy is available for interviews we have some questions:  Did he get a chance to pan for gold in Nome, Alaska?  When he visited the Land of Oz (Australia) did he meet the Wizard or Wicked Witch? 

Perhaps we should he nicer to gnomes.  After all, according to folklore, they used to roam freely but were put under a curse and petrified until the day when they will return to protect Earth.  Now, what exactly would they be protecting Earth from?  Muggles probably.  If you’re planning a spot of gnome-napping on your troll round the world we definitely recommend taking out Travel Insurance  as you never know when you might get knocked off your feet.  Don’t forget your bearded companion, and if your gnome is small enough to fit we have Backpacker Insurance too!

Is Turkey on Your Holiday Menu this Year?

According to the Ministry of Tourism, close to two million Brits visited Turkey in 2007 and it may have surpassed Spain in the popularity ratings for British tourists. 

Most holidaymakers heading for Turkey are looking for the traditional beach and water sports holiday.  However, visitors to the country should be aware of current travel advice and advisories issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) before setting off.  Incidents can happen in any part of the world, and although most travel in Turkey is safe there have been recent incidents of kidnappings in the Mount Ararat area. (The FCO recommends against all but essential travel to this area at the current time, but check for updates).

Be aware that smoking has been banned in Turkey at all stadiums, playgrounds, and other outdoor venues as well as on all forms of public transport.  Cafes, restaurants and bars will also be subject to the smoking ban as of July 2009.  Fines are handed out to those caught violating the smoke-free areas.  Also, check that your passport will be valid for a minimum of six months on the date that you enter Turkey and will still have three months life left on it by the time you leave. 

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Turkey for emergency medical treatment - so it is very important to take out comprehensive travel insurance.  Trying to get away with the cheapest travel insurance you can find is not a good idea.  Just as with your car insurance, we advise reading the small print to check the levels of cover.  For example, some cheap policies may not cover emergency medical repatriation.  Let’s hope you never need it but if the worst should happen it could be very costly.

Visit our Travel Guide for Turkey which contains a link to the FCO website for the latest travel advisories as well as tons of very useful information to keep you from inadvertently getting yourself into trouble!

Foreign Office Urges Brits to Take Cover with Travel Insurance

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have today published an eye-opening annual report on their website about the behaviour of the British while abroad – and the news is not good! According to figures published in the report, the highest rate of hospitalizations was in Spain (695), followed by Greece (602), and Thailand (324).

It seems the British are continuing to get into trouble of one sort or another at an increasing rate while on holiday.  One main concern of the FCO is that due to the credit crunch many are forced to cut their holiday budget and opting to forego travel insurance. This is a big mistake (and false economy) as holidaymakers could find themselves in even worse financial shape if accidents or medical emergencies should arise while abroad without travel insurance to help out!  Meg Munn, Foreign Office Minister, has made a plea to the British public not to sacrifice travel insurance in order to save money.

The FCO recommends that Brits planning to travel within the European Economic Area or Switzerland should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which is free and carries entitlement to free or reduced-cost emergency medical care.  However, they emphasize that the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance.  For example, the EHIC does not cover many essential items, including emergency repatriation, legal costs and lost luggage.  

The cost of travel insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind - and a drop in the ocean compared to the costs involved if the worst should happen and a medical emergency wrecks your holiday.  The cheapest travel insurance policy may not cover all your needs, so choose wisely and obtain a quote for quality, low cost Travel Insurance.
 

Avoid Becoming a Victim of Passport and Identity Theft While Travelling

One of the most common problems the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) deals with is assisting British passport holders after the theft of their passports while abroad.  Wallets are also an obvious target.  The problem is rife and can occur in any part of the world.  Hotel safes and deposit boxes unfortunately are also not immune to theft, so it is a huge problem. 

If the worst should happen and you become a victim while abroad you will need to report the theft to the local police and obtain a police report.  The report will be required by your travel insurance provider to make a claim for theft, and also for the Consulate to issue a replacement passport.  (The police authorities in some countries may not be willing to provide a report for stolen passports, and in this case the requirement will be waived).  Contact the closest British embassy or consulate to report the passport theft and fill in form LS01 – to cancel the passport.  Identity theft is an increasing problem, and unfortunately British nationals are a prime target.

Tip: Make a photocopy of the information page of your passport and other important documents and keep them separate from the originals while travelling. It is also a good idea to leave a set of copies with a trusted loved one at home.  For more excellent travel tips, advice and information visit the FCO website.  Their Know Before You Go section is a must for travellers before setting off. The FCO recommends that all travellers should take out Travel Insurance before leaving home, so obtain your no-obligation quote for Travel Insurance  now - before you forget!

Water Safety - Drinking and Swimming Can be a Lethal Mix

Most people are unaware that their Travel Insurance policy may not cover claims if an accident happens and they are found to have been intoxicated at the time.  Claims related to the incident (no matter which company is used) will most likely be denied!  Not only would their family have a tragedy to contend with, but could find themselves on their own in facing medical expenses and possible repatriation of their loved one - or their body!  On Saturday evening a man out on a stag night ventured into rough seas and drowned off Brighton Pier.  A friend who attempted to rescue him is still recovering in hospital.  This tragedy (and countless other similar ones) should serve as a reminder about the dangers that can exist when swimming while intoxicated.  If this accident had occurred while on holiday abroad the insurer would probably have denied any claim by the family if intoxication was found to be a factor.

People flock to the seaside and swimming pools during summer - here in the UK and abroad. Drownings are much more common than many realize - with most of the deaths being totally senseless and preventable.  Accidents very often involve children and swimming pools – especially around Mediterranean resort areas.  Families renting villas with a private pool need to be especially vigilant and should think twice about the wisdom of exposing their children to the associated risks. 

The Foreign Office warns about the need to be careful when renting water sports equipment abroad as the standards may not be as high as we expect at home and the operators may not be qualified or licensed.  Adults are also not immune to accidents around water and can obviously get into difficulties while swimming if due care is not taken. 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) keeps statistics on the number of drownings - and they increase each year.  The RoSPA website contains a wealth of information regarding all aspects of safety, with a special section regarding water safety.  Don’t forget the importance of Travel Insurance for yourself and your family when going on a trip.  No matter which insurer you choose, read the policy document to see for yourself that claims are likely to be denied if intoxication is found to be a factor - or exposure to unnecessary danger or risk.

Vehicle Breakdown and Caravan Insurance for UK and Europe

As living expenses continue to sky-rocket many Brits, especially those with young families, are needing to be a bit more resourceful in order to afford their annual summer holiday.  Camping and caravanning in the UK and Europe is seeing a huge surge in popularity.

According to the Caravan Club, bookings for motorhome and caravan sites are up in the UK and expected to carry on increasing.  Several celebrities may have helped make the trend popular, with household names like Jamie Oliver using a campervan for his book tour.  The upside is you don’t have to worry too much about baggage restrictions and can take your favourite things along.  It can be an enormous sense of freedom to hit the road and be master of your destiny - and not be at the mercy of the airlines and hotels.

Many Brits have seen more of the world than they have seen of the UK.  We certainly have plenty of spectacular places to visit in this country.  The main drawback, as ever, is the unpredictable weather.  It’s really a matter of resigning yourself to the possibility of coping with four seasons in one day.  Pack thoughtfully and optimistically - with all your fun summer clothes - but have cardies, wellies, macs and brollies at the ready!  Life can be a fun adventure if you relax and go with the flow (however hard it rains).  The kids won’t mind so much as long as they have their favourite toys along and are warm and dry with plenty to eat and drink. The good old traditional British flask of piping hot tea or coffee and slice of cake can help drive away the chills and lift spirits when the rain man inevitably pays a visit.

Obtain a quote for Vehicle Breakdown Cover and note that all plans include the free recovery of caravans or trailers which are attached to the vehicle named on the policy.  Check the website for full information and note that cover is also available for Motorcycle Breakdown.  If you just need Travel Insurance for yourself or the family click here.
 

Inflatables Can be Dangerous so Use Common Sense - Not the RNLI!

There are many incidents involving inflatable boats and toys on our beaches every year.  Here in North Norfolk an inshore lifeboat recently had a ‘shout’ to launch and search for an inflatable boat spotted drifting on the current. It turned out the inflatable had been vacated by children who swam to shore.  Fortunately, there was no loss of life in this instance but what a needless waste of RNLI resources and the brave volunteers who give up their time to man the lifeboats. 

We worry about critters like jellyfish and sharks and pollution on beaches, but a bigger hazard is often the use of inflatable rafts and toys. Over the years there have been calls for changes in the law to ban inflatables on beaches as they are really only suitable for use in swimming pools.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Beach Safety  and Shorething campaigns are designed to educate families about the dangers present at the seaside and we recommend that anyone heading for a beach holiday take a look before setting off.  If there is a lifeguard-patrolled beach at your destination take the children there.  The Marine Conservation Society website has a Good Beach Guide which contains a list of lifeguard-patrolled beaches and explains the coloured flags, as well as RNLI safety booklets which can be downloaded to take with you.

Don’t forget to pack a good family Travel Insurance policy along with the swimsuits and snorkels.  If driving to a UK or European beach take out Vehicle Breakdown cover - your ‘lifeboat for the road’.  For more information about the RNLI and the great work they do, or to make a donation to this worthy cause click here. 

Is Your Car Adequately Insured for Motoring in Europe?

Before setting off on a road trip to Europe motorists are advised to review their levels of cover.  Drivers are often blissfully unaware that some insurers reduce the levels of cover from comprehensive to third-party on the other side of the Channel.   Many British motorists do not check before they leave home and are oblivious that they are risking huge financial losses if they should become involved in an accident.  Nothing would ruin a holiday faster than the hassle involved with trying to negotiate repairs in a foreign tongue.  

Driving on the Continent can pose challenges for those unaccustomed to driving on the right.  Road signs and rules of the road are often quite different too and the chances of having an accident are therefore greatly increased.

If in any doubt, it is worthwhile calling your insurer to find out about cover in Europe and, if necessary, paying to increase the cover to fully comp.  Ask if the period of insurance for driving in Europe is capped and make sure it will last the duration of your trip.  There may be additional fees to make changes to a policy so ideally it’s best to plan ahead.  If there is any possibility of driving in Europe then arrange to have the coverage in place when renewing your car insurance  Those who have homes in Europe and regularly take their cars over should, hopefully, already have the right cover. If not, shop around to find a policy which will provide the best comprehensive levels of cover for Europe.

Peace of mind can be obtained by taking out UK and European Vehicle Breakdown cover – especially if an accident should leave the car seriously damaged and needing to be repatriated to the UK for major repairs.  You wouldn’t go on holiday without Travel Insurance …Would you?  So why take chances with your car?

Getting Burnt? Maybe Your Sunscreen Lotion Expired

Sun and Vitamin-D-deprived Brits are heading for the beaches or abroad in droves in search of a glowing and healthy-looking tan.  But are tans healthy?  It’s a very confusing issue and hard to know who or what to believe.  One camp claims the sun’s rays are good for you and the benefits outweigh the potential for developing skin cancer.  Obviously it is common sense that burning is not good for you and it’s better to build up a tan gradually.  There are reports that moderate sun exposure can be good for us and help stave off diseases like MS, heart disease and depression.  So, why do we have it drummed into us year after year that we should cover up, stay out of the sun, and use high SPF sunscreen lotions?  Is this a ploy by the sunscreen manufacturers? Maybe.  Yet medical reports indicate that skin cancer rates are on the rise.

Whatever you choose to believe and do with your skin is your choice.  The evidence is clear that too much sun exposure can cause premature aging of the skin.  Most adults are very careful about protecting their children, which is a good idea. However, many are also ‘blisterfully’ unaware that sunscreen lotions have expiration dates – or a set lifespan before the active ingredients stop working.  How long that period of time is seems to be a mystery, and may vary from the date the bottle is opened to anything up to 24 or 30 months.

Have you ever slathered yourself in lotion and sustained a bad burn anyway?  Chances are the lotion was old so check for an expiration date on the bottle.  However, a recent trip to the chemist revealed that many popular brands don’t have expiration dates stamped on them.  It’s probably smart to look for brands that do have expiration dates - and avoid purchasing sunscreens at discount shops as the products may be old or expired.  After all, we have no way of knowing how long the lotions have been sitting on the shelf. If your sunscreen has no expiration date you could try contacting the manufacturer to enquire and/or complain.  I think we have a right to know as these products are not inexpensive!

There is no question or mystery about the date your Travel Insurance starts or expires, or what is included, as all the terms and conditions are clearly outlined for you.

U.S. Tropical Storm Edouard is No Gentle-man

Edouard is threatening the southern United States as he follows, alphabetically, on the heels of recent Hurricane Dolly.  Edouard is expected to reach the Texas-Louisiana coastline today at about mid-day local time.  Those with plans to travel to any of the southern states are advised to obtain updated travel and weather reports or contact their airlines before setting off.

Never leave on your trip without taking out adequate Travel Insurance.  Always check the terms and conditions of your policy (whichever one you choose) for levels of cover and exclusions and ensure that all your planned activities will be covered.