| A beach holiday is something we all dream of - a | | | | holiday would be 'non-incidental' because the main |
| time of relaxation and carefree fun - just like the | | | | purpose of the trip is sailing. |
| pictures in the holiday brochures. | | | | Are your planned activities covered? |
| See yourself there now... relaxing on a sun-kissed, | | | | Activities like wind surfing, deep sea fishing, banana |
| white sand, tropical beach, sipping an icy drink | | | | boating and parascending are normally covered on an |
| through a straw, while palm fronds sway gently in | | | | incidental basis. Kayaking and scuba diving cover may |
| the breeze... Later, as the sun sets, the hypnotic | | | | depend on the grade or depth. |
| rhythm of a native steel band summons you along | | | | Rented water sports equipment may not be well |
| the shore, where the love of your life and more rum | | | | maintained or up to a safe standard, plus the |
| punches await... | | | | operators may not be licensed or insured - so |
| Screech... Sorry, but a nasty jolt back to reality - and | | | | personal liability can be an issue. Travel insurance |
| some words of caution. If you plan on activities like | | | | policies do not normally cover personal liability claims |
| snorkeling, windsurfing or sailing think twice before | | | | arising from use of any vehicle, watercraft, or |
| ordering another cold cerveza - or cocktail with a | | | | mechanically propelled conveyance - which includes |
| funny name; you know the ones - they look like fruit | | | | jet skis. An example would be renting water-ski |
| juice, with a pretty umbrella. Those on Hen and Stag | | | | equipment and an accident caused breakage of the |
| trips should pay particular attention because the | | | | equipment or, worse, injury to third parties. One |
| majority of holidaymakers have no idea that travel | | | | more word of caution... Without travel insurance it is |
| insurance is unlikely to cover claims when intoxication | | | | the responsibility of the family of an injured or |
| is found to be a factor! Sorry to spoil the fantasy, | | | | deceased person to pay the medical expenses and |
| but it's a sobering fact from the real world... | | | | arrange repatriation of the injured - or the body. |
| Remember that? | | | | Who would want to put their loved ones through |
| Travel insurance covers many aspects of a holiday, | | | | that? |
| but does not provide an excuse to act irresponsibly. | | | | What else can you do to avoid trouble? Find out |
| All policies have exclusions regarding 'willful exposure | | | | about potentially unfriendly sea life at your |
| to peril' but who bothers to read the boring insurance | | | | destination. There are hazards like jellyfish, which |
| jargon? Basically it means the insured is expected to | | | | could deliver a painful or even deadly sting, so learn |
| do everything possible to prevent injury, illness, and | | | | to spot them before they make contact. Sea critters |
| damage or loss to property. In other words - to act | | | | like stingrays may hide in the sand and attack it you |
| as if there is no insurance! | | | | tread on them so invest in a pair of beach shoes to |
| Don't jump at the cheapest quote on that online | | | | wear in the surf. Take care with food and drink to |
| comparison site. Check the levels of cover - | | | | avoid the Tourist Two Step, Delhi Belly, Montezuma's |
| especially medical expenses and hospital benefit. In | | | | Revenge, Casablanca Crud - or worse. |
| countries like the USA medical costs can be | | | | With a bit of thought and preparation nothing should |
| mind-boggling, so be especially careful if heading for | | | | spoil those long, lazy, happy, sun-filled days at the |
| places like Miami or Malibu. Emergency medical | | | | beach. Choose your travel insurance wisely, whether |
| repatriation is another essential which may be missing | | | | it be single trip, annual multi-trip, or a backpacker |
| from that cheap policy. It's worth paying a bit more | | | | policy (cheaper because of reduced cover for |
| to make sure the cover is adequate. | | | | luggage). Pack an ounce of common sense along with |
| Do you understand the meaning of 'incidental' basis? | | | | the beach towels and sunscreen, go easy with the |
| Going snorkeling or on a helicopter sightseeing trip, | | | | rum punches, and your holiday should turn out |
| for example, is normally covered on an 'incidental' | | | | exactly like the one in the glossy holiday brochure! |
| (casual) basis. The difference is that going on a sailing | | | | |