Adventure holiday advice: Insure before you explore

A recent Reader’s Digest survey revealed that chasing cherry blossom in Japan was top of most readers’ “bucket lists”.

Britain’s seaside resorts or Spain’s sandy beaches have long been the main options considered for the annual trip, but more and more holidaymakers are now moving away from the standard beach break, instead travelling to exotic destinations for a more active getaway.

Destinations like France and Italy remain popular, yet other hotspots—such as Serbia and Croatia—have also emerged. In addition to these new locations, travel companies have reported a growing demand for more adventurous breaks, and many older travellers—free from financial responsibilities such as mortgages—are in a position to book more exotic holidays to locations such as Vietnam.

The range of activities available on holiday is extensive. However, whether you’re considering mountain biking in Italy or rock climbing in France, it’s important to ensure you have the correct level of travel insurance in place. Holidaymakers should check which activities are included within their holiday insurance as standard, and which require an additional premium.

The most common activities on holiday include rambling, trekking and cycling and these are routinely included as standard by the majority of insurers.

Many standard travel insurance policies will also include activities such as scuba diving, kayaking and windsurfing. For more adventurous activities—such as skiing, parachuting, hang gliding and abseiling—additional premiums are likely to be required.

Travellers should cover themselves against added risks, considering vital aspects such as the levels of cover for cancellation, emergency medical cover, medical conditions and age limits.

Whatever your holiday plans, Reader’s Digest Insurance Services is delighted to offer travel insurance policies with excellent levels of protection, including automatic cover for over 30 activities as standard.