Insurance Articles
Tricky airline passenger questions solved
Posted by admin - 07/08/10 at 11:08:16 am1300 Insurance, a leading provider of Australian online and phone travel insurance, presents some tips on how to be a courteous flyer – especially on long haul trips.
Overall, the biggest tip is to try and keep your stress under control, and be courteous, pleasant and flexible. However, for more complex details, read below.
If your seatmate won’t stop talking to you – say politely, “well, it’s been nice talking to you, but i’m going to read now”
The rules of the middle armrest – The middle armrest is shared property. However, its courteous for the aisle and window seat passengers to give the middle passenger a chance to claim them first.
If a child is kicking the back of your seat – it’s okay to talk to their parents and ask them to stop. Say something like “I know travelling is tough for kids, but would you mind please telling them not to kick my seat? Thanks”
If someone is reading over your shoulder - look directly at the person. This should mean they get the message. If you’re tempted to read over someone else’s shoulder – Don’t!
And remember - don’t travel without looking carefully at a Travel Insurance policy. 1300 Insurance has policies that won’t break the budget.
Insurance Articles
World-best airlines announced
Posted by admin - 21/06/10 at 09:06:49 pmA recent survey has revealed the world’s best airline: South Korea’s Asiana Airlines.
The survey is based on customer feedback on things like airline comfort, food, quality of customer service and general experience. More than 17 Million Passengers participated in the survey over a period of 10 months.
Asiana Airlines rated the highest on these scales, followed by Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
With a local focus, Qantas won awards for their Premium Economy class, and Virgin Blue won best low cost carrier in Asia/Pacific region.
The top ten ranking of Airlines for 2010 was as follows:
1. Asiana Airlines
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Qatar Airways
4. Cathay Pacific
5. Air New Zealand
6. Etihad Airways
7. Qantas Airways
8. Emirates
9. Thai Airways
10. Malaysia Airlines
If you’re thinking of doing an overseas trip, don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
As we know at 1300 insurance, all well researched travellers never forget to leave home without it.
Insurance Articles
Travel smart, and travel well
Posted by admin - 02/05/10 at 05:05:08 pmAs regular flights overseas have now recommenced after Europe’s ash cloud, it may be that you are looking to travel overseas.
Often, we all give consideration to travelling safely – making sure we have our passports secure, our home maintenance in check, and letting others know where we will be.
However, it isn’t just important to travel safe. We also need to make sure we travel well.
Smart Traveller, the Australian government website for Australians travelling overseas, makes several key points on their website for travelling overseas.
The first point is to make sure you are well prepared – do some research on your destination and make sure you have all the documentation and appropriate funds you will need.
Smart traveller also strongly advises taking out travel insurance. Every year, Smart traveller deals with thousands of Australians who find themselves in medical emergencies overseas. Often, the costs to help out can be massive.
Smart Traveller suggests looking at taking out a comprehensive travel insurance policy, not only for financial reasons, but for peace of mind.
1300 Insurance are providers of low cost travel insurance policies. With policies for all kinds of travellers, 1300 Insurance offers policies online or over the phone.
Insurance Articles
Travel insurance information for Europe flight delays due to Volcanic Ash Clouds
Posted by admin - 16/04/10 at 04:04:45 pmThe following information concerns the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland and the associated airport closures in Europe due to ash clouds. This advice applies to travel insurance policies issued prior to Friday 16 April 2010.
What do you need to know about your policy?
Your policy includes cover for cancellation and/or rearrangement of your journey, or the unused portions of your journey, as a result of the volcanic eruption and associated ash clouds.
- Your policy includes cover when scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your accommodation has been made uninhabitable by the volcanic eruption or associated ash clouds or if you are unable to reach your accommodation/destination.
- Your policy also includes cover for additional accommodation and travel expenses if transport services have been cancelled, delayed or rescheduled as a result of the volcanic eruption or ash clouds.
- We recommend you contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering or cancelling your trip. Some airlines are providing penalty-free options to amend travel arrangements and full refunds for unused travel. We recommend you contact your airline for further details.
- There is no cover for cancellation or rearrangement expenses for policies issued on or after 16 April 2010 if the cancellation / rearrangement arises from the volcanic eruption and associated ash clouds.
If you are currently traveling and you have been injured as a result of the recent volcanic eruption or ash clouds we are able to assist you as your policy includes cover for emergency medical expenses.
If you need emergency medical assistance please contact our 24 hour Mondial Assistance Emergency Assistance team on +61 7 3305 7499 reverse charge or 1800 010 075 free call within Australia.
What next steps should you take?
- You should take all reasonable steps to minimise your expenses and this includes rearranging your journey where possible.
- Read the Product Disclosure Statement that you received when you purchased your travel insurance policy. This will give you more detail about what your policy provides cover for and what it does not. For example, if you have a cancellation only policy, your policy does not include cover for additional expenses or overseas medical expenses.
- Please submit your travel insurance claim to us for consideration.
- You will need to submit all receipts for any additional accommodation and transport expenses. If you are claiming cancellation or additional expenses you will need to submit all documents showing what your original planned pre-paid arrangements were, along with any receipts and documents showing your new arrangements, and advice from the travel provider indicating the non-refundable portion of the journey.
- Finally, to help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains travel advisories for more than 160 destinations overseas via their website www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Their travel advice provides accurate, up-to-date information about the risks Australians might face overseas, assisting you to make well-informed decisions about whether, when and where to travel. We recommend that you stay up-to-date with their destination-specific travel advisories for the country of your destination as your travel insurance cover may be affected if you travel to high risk areas or situations.
Contact us
If you have questions or queries, please contact our Information Hotline on 1800 012 234.
Insurance Articles
Travel insurance information for Thailand
Posted by admin - 13/04/10 at 10:04:00 amThe following information concerns the ongoing civil unrest and protests in Thailand, and applies to travel insurance policies issued prior to Saturday 10 April 2010. This advice replaces the advice issued on 15 March 2010.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has advised on their www.smarttraveller.gov.au website that Australians should exercise a high degree of caution for travel to Thailand. DFAT also reports:
Violent clashes on 10 April between the security forces and anti-Government protestors in Bangkok resulted in a number of deaths and injuries. There is a strong possibility of further violence and civil unrest in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok
On 7 April the Thai Government declared a state of emergency in the Bangkok area and in the provinces of Samut Prakarn (including Suvarnabhumi International Airport), Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya. Additional security measures have been implemented in Bangkok and surrounding areas. Grenade and improvised explosive device attacks, including against government buildings, military installations and banks, have occurred since 27 February and further attacks are possible over the coming weeks. The Thai Government has advised the public to stay away from affected areas and to cooperate with authorities.
What do you need to know about your policy?
If you are currently travelling and you are or have been injured as a result of the civil unrest we are able to assist you as your policy includes cover for emergency medical expenses.
If you need emergency medical assistance please contact our 24 hour Emergency Assistance team on +61 7 3305 7499 reverse charge or 1800 010 075 free call within Australia.
Your policy also includes cover for additional accommodation and travel expenses if you have been injured or if transport services have been cancelled, delayed or rescheduled as a result of the civil unrest.
Your policy includes cover for cancellation of your journey, or the unused portions of your journey, as a result of civil unrest.
If you are currently in, or travelling to Bangkok before 19 April, your policy provides cover for cancellation costs or rearrangement expenses, whichever is the lesser, should you wish to shorten your stay, or no longer travel to Bangkok as a result of the civil unrest. Your policy also includes cover if your scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your accommodation has been made uninhabitable by civil unrest or if you are unable to reach your accommodation/destination.
If you are transiting through Bangkok for 24 hours or less, and are not leaving the airport precinct, your policy does not cover cancellation or rearrangement expenses unless your TRAVEL INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR THAILAND, 12 APRIL 2010 transport services have been cancelled or disrupted, or your accommodation has been rendered uninhabitable.
If you are travelling to Bangkok after 19 April, your policy includes cover only when scheduled transport services have been cancelled or your accommodation has been made uninhabitable by civil unrest or if you are unable to reach your accommodation/destination. Should the situation in Bangkok continue, this level of cover will be reviewed and a further advisory issued.
We recommend you contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip. Some airlines are providing penalty-free options to amend travel arrangements and we also recommend you contact your airline for further details.
For policies issued on or after Saturday 10 April, there is no provision to claim for cancellation or amendment expenses relating to the current civil unrest.
What next steps should you take?
You should take all reasonable steps to minimise your expenses and this includes rearranging your journey where possible.
Read the Product Disclosure Statement that you received when you purchased your travel insurance policy. This will give you more detail about what your policy provides cover for and what it does not. For example, if you have a cancellation only policy, your policy does not include cover for additional expenses or overseas medical expenses.
Please submit your travel insurance claim to us for consideration.
You will need to submit all receipts for any additional accommodation and transport expenses. If you are claiming cancellation or additional expenses you will need to submit all documents showing what your original planned pre-paid arrangements were, along with any receipts and documents showing your new arrangements.
Finally, to help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains travel advisories for more than 160 destinations overseas via their website www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Their travel advice provides accurate, up-to-date information about the risks Australians might face overseas, assisting you to make well-informed decisions about whether, when and where to travel. We recommend that you stay up-to-date with their destination-specific travel advisories for the country of your destination as your travel insurance cover may be affected if you travel to high risk areas or situations.
Important note
All travel insurance policies include a number of general exclusions that apply to all claims—things like travelling against medical advice, unlicensed use of motor vehicles, epidemics or pandemics, ignoring official warnings and acts of war, insurrection or the taking of power by the military.
Should the current situation in Thailand escalate from civil unrest to insurrection, war or the taking of power by the military, we will need to review our policy cover and we will issue a further advisory with that detail.
Contact us
If you have questions or queries, please contact our Information Hotline on 1800 012 234.
Insurance Articles
Aussie travellers choose adventurous destinations
Posted by admin - 25/01/10 at 04:01:09 pmAccording to a recent survey of online travel bookings, Australian travellers are more adventurous than ever with their travel destinations of choice. Some of the top choices in destinations for 2009 included South Africa, Croatia, India and Vancouver in Canada.
Intrepid Australian travellers have been drawn to these destinations, and have travelled for culture and adventure. The trends have been based on finding destinations off the beaten track, rather than travelling throughout key tourist points in Europe.
Other reasons for interests in these destinations have been suggested as being the world economic state, where cheaper airfares to these destinations have been offered, and interest in Johannesburg due to the upcoming soccer World Cup, and Vancouver due to the Winter Olympics.
Another hot spot destination has been revealed as New Zealand. Long known for its widespread availability of action sports; such as bungee jumping, white water rafting and abseiling, Roy Morgan Research has found that over half a million Australians travelled to New Zealand between Sep 2008 and Oct 2009.
Whether you choose to travel to far off exotic destinations, partake in these adventure based holidays or stay close to home and relax, travel insurance is one thing you can’t forget to pack on your holiday.
Travel insurance gives you peace of mind when you’re away, with medical expenses and luggage loss policies available to cover you should you have an unfortunate accident overseas.
1300 Insurance has made travel insurance easy with policies available online that are tailored to suit your budget. Make your travel experiences memorable for the right reasons and cover yourself against accidents.
Source: ‘Australian Travellers More Adventurous Than Ever’, Sydney Morning Herald, January 22, 2010
Insurance Articles
Tips for Christmas Travel
Posted by admin - 16/12/09 at 04:12:20 pmThe Sun-Herald has recently compiled a list of tips for Christmas travel to make it as painless as possible for the many Australians who will find themselves away from home over the holiday break.
- Be Digital.
If you’re flying, make use of online check in systems that may allow you to check in up to 24 hours before your flight is due to depart. This could save you some time and standing around at the airport.
- Prepare for the crowds.
Sydney Airport says that Friday, December 18, and Saturday, December 19 will be the busiest days at the airport this year, along with January 2 & 3 when people return home from holidays.
- Time your Drive.
The NRMA expects the busiest days on the road to be the last day of school, Dec 18, two days before Christmas, Dec 23, the day after boxing day, Dec 27, and January 4. The NRMA also says that morning traffic tends to peak later in holiday periods due to people being on annual leave, so travel early in the morning if you can.
It’s also important to ensure you have the right car insurance.
- Pack Light
Whilst it’s hard to pack light at Christmas, it makes life easier due to avoiding excess baggage charges and having less items to drag around.
- Pack Smart.
Make sure you are up to date with the latest in packing regulations with airlines, especially items such as sharp objects, aerosols, and hand luggage restrictions. If you’re carrying Christmas gifts, it’s best not to wrap them as they need to be available for inspection.
- Pack Safe.
Don’t put Christmas presents in your checked on luggage unless you absolutely have to. Christmas is the busiest time of year for travel, meaning a greater chance of luggage going astray, so make the most of your carry on luggage allowance.
- Cover Yourself.
“If ever there was a time to take out travel insurance, the peak Christmas travel season is it, especially if you’re carrying gifts. Online insurance providers have really brought down the cost of insurance and it’s money well spent.”
Travel insurance is available online through 1300 insurance.
- Think Ahead.
If you’re going to need airport transfers, airport parking, hotel parking or other arrangements, book it now. This will save time, and possible headaches, later.
- Be Entertained.
Use time spent standing around in airports to pick up a book. When you’re driving, download yourself some new music or podcasts to listen to. A DVD player for the back of the car may be a worthwhile investment for kids.
- Don’t forget your Christmas Spirit.
“Wear a Santa hat, listen to music, do whatever it takes to remember that Christmas is supposed to be fun, not survival of the fittest.”
Source: The Sun-Herald, December 13, 2009
Insurance Articles
Inadequate levels of travel insurance for Australians overseas
Posted by admin - 08/12/09 at 02:12:09 pmA survey has recently been published that has suggested up to 1.6 million Australians travel overseas each year without purchasing travel insurance. This figure has alarmed industry and government agencies, who say that the potential costs of overseas medical attention make travel insurance a necessity.
The article, published by The Age Newspaper Melbourne, found that over 5.4 million Australians went overseas last year, and that the age of people who are least likely to book travel insurance are aged 18-24.
The article suggests that the reason for lower levels of cover may be because holidays are increasingly being booked online and not through traditional travel agents, who would strongly suggest adding travel insurance to any holiday packages.
1300 Insurance has travel insurance available that can be easily purchased online, with differing levels of cover. This means you don’t lose any of the convenience and cost-effectiveness of booking your holiday online, and can have peace of mind that you are covered for an unfortunate event.
Source: ‘Insurance Policy is the Last Thing That Travellers Pack’, The Age Newspaper, Melbourne, December 6, 2009.
Insurance Articles
Travelling on a budget – the best value destinations
Posted by admin - 11/11/09 at 10:11:13 pmTravelling overseas is a great experience, but it can often be a large expense. However, there is ways that you can experience some of the world’s great travel with a bit of careful research and planning.
Lonely Planet have recently published a list of 2010’s Best Value destinations, based on their well-travelled experiences.
The 2010 list of Best Value destinations includes -
Iceland
Thailand
London
South Africa
Malaysia
Mexico
India
Bulgaria
Kenya
Las Vegas
With such a widespread list across several continents, there is sure to be a destination to suit your budget and desires.
One key thing to remember when booking a holiday is to ensure you have adequate travel insurance planned. Even when travelling on a budget, travel insurance is a worthwhile investment to make as the costs you can incur by becoming injured overseas can be crippling.
1300 Insurance has travel insurance plans with differing levels of cover, which means you can choose the travel insurance cover which suits your needs and budget, and enjoy your holiday travels without worry!
Insurance Articles
Travel Smart – ten tips for travellers
Posted by admin - 23/10/09 at 05:10:06 pmSmart Traveller, the Australian peak information body for Australians travelling overseas, have published a list of ‘Travel Smart’ hints for Australian travellers.
The list highlights the need for well prepared travellers to take out adequate Travel Insurance.
The complete ‘Travel Smart’ List includes;
1. Check travel advice for the destination you will be visiting.
2. Take out appropriate Travel Insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities in which you plan to participate.
3. Before travelling overseas, register your contact and travel details online.
4. It goes without saying, but obey the local laws.
5. Check the visas which are required for the country you are visiting or transiting.
6. Check with health professionals for information such as vaccinations.
7. Make sure your passport has a minimum of six months validity.
8. Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep regularly in touch with your friends and relatives whilst overseas.
9. Make copies of your identification documents and leave them securely with someone at home.
10. Research whether you are regarded as being a National of any country you are about to visit, and the implications this has for travel.
Whilst it may seem that there are many things to co-ordinate before you leave for your destination, lots of these tasks can be done quickly and easily online.
You can notify Smart Traveller of your travel intentions online, keep in touch with friends and family, and process your request for travel insurance online.