Travel Insurance Policies When Travelling To Israel
Travel Insurance Policies When Travelling To Israel
Travel insurance is often neglected when planning a holiday or business trip. In Britain we are used to a free healthcare system and often forget that in many countries this is not the case. We tend to not realise that luggage can be lost at an airport and that pick-pockets operate in Lisbon as well as London. Most of the time, travel insurance acts as a peace of mind…right up to the time you need it and then it can be the most important article in your suitcase.
Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?
As we are all aware, accidents can happen at any time and in any place to anybody In the worst of circumstances, this can cause significant injury as well as ruining a holiday or business trip. Unfortunately no-one can predict when these accidents will occur or the severity of them when they do. The only thing to do is to have a high quality travel insurance policy. It may feel like you are gambling against yourself when arranging such a policy, however, nothing could be further from the truth.
Luggage can be easily lost at airport, this in normally sufficient to ruin a holiday, having to endure a flight and then to traipse around a shopping centre to buy clean socks and shirts. Travel insurance can’t make this impossible to happen, but can help pay for your new clothes, which will ease the pain a little.
Something as innocent as a wet floor or trip down a flight of stairs could lead to a hospital trip, for example, to administer to a broken wrist or ankle. Medical insurance will usually cover the cost but if you need to return early your travel insurance policy may have a clause to allow this to be claimed for.
When in a foreign country and hiring a car try to know the local traffic laws. We drive on the left in the UK, in Israel they drive on the right which can be confusing for the first few days. If you cause an accident, personal liability may be an issue. A good travel insurance policy will also have a clause that allows travel back to the UK if a medical emergency arises.
What Should I Look For In Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a safety net when abroad. A good travel insurance policy should cover you for medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad, 24 hour emergency service and assistance and personal liability cover in case you are sued for causing injury or damaging property.
Other things to consider when purchasing travel insurance are, what is the value of your lost and stolen possessions cover? What’s the maximum you can claim on a single piece of your inventory? Are you covered for cancellation and/or curtailment of your flight or ferry? Does your policy have extra cover for activities that are usually not included standard policies, such as jet skiing or adventure activities? Are there any financial insurances in case your carrier airline becomes bankrupt before or during your excursion abroad?
Socio-political Issues
The birthplace of Abrahamic religion is sadly not a safe place. There are many terrorist groups present in Israel. The ongoing feud with the Palestine’s has become a military conflict with indiscriminate attacks from both sides of the Gaza strip. The current recommendation from the UK government is to not travel to certain areas within Israel. This is advice to be listened to and heeded. A full list can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
You are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance when travelling anywhere in Jerusalem. Political demonstrations have the potential to turn violent. For specific information about planned demonstrations or any other events which can alter the local security situation, you should register with the Consulate General in Jerusalem.
The main types of incidents involving British National in 2008 were lost and stolen passports; arrests or detentions and assisting those who encountered security problems difficulties at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. It is essential that travel insurance is purchased to offer some protection should your valuables be lost or stolen at an airport of hotel.
Within the markets and bazaars, pick-pocketing is rife. Care should be taken to protect any money or documentation within them. Travel insurance will cover stolen items although its better to not be stolen from than to be a victim of theft.
It is recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Many policies do not cover you if your claim is the result of terrorism, therefore ascertain whether you would be covered before departing. You should, of course, check that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Hospital care is sadly not free and can be very expensive. An emergency medical flight policy is recommended as quality of care in Israel differs from hospital to hospital.
Specific Insurances
Firstly you must have a policy that covers you for terrorist attacks. This is currently a very real possibility in any area of Israel. Also find out the geographical boundaries of your travel insurance cover. Many travel insurance policies become void if Government advice is rejected.
For all the political and religious difficulties in Israel, it is still a fascinating country. Aside from the religious history stretching back over millenia, there is a wealth of other attractions. There are many nature reserves to explore and organised excursions into the Negev desert. Travel insurance is heavily recommended here to provide assistance if you run into difficulties. A lost wallet in a desert is the last thing you’ll want to happen, but it is easily remedied.
The Dead sea is also found here giving the option to float in the mineral rich waters before visiting one of the many spa’s located nearby. Sadly there are reports of bags being stolen therefore travel insurance is to be desired before leaving baggage unattended at a spa or beach.
Should you run into difficulties such as passports being stolen or lost, the British consulate can be located at:
British Embassy
192 Hayarkon Street
Tel Aviv 63405
Consular Section
1 Ben Yehuda Street
Migdalor Building, 6th Floor
Tel Aviv 63801
