Insurance provider, AXA has launched an independent travel insurance, despite the present financial turmoil's that are due to the credit crunch.

In spite of the increasing economic gloom, the holiday season is approaching and millions of Brits will be preparing to travel abroad over the summer months. But AXA warns that increasing numbers of people arranging their own holidays may be leaving themselves exposed despite taking out travel insurance.

Over the last few years the number of Independent Travelers has overtaken the number of Package Holiday Travelers. Internet access and low-cost airlines have helped escalate this trend - in 2006 over 16 million Independent Travelers headed overseas for holidays between April and September.

However, insurance provision has not kept pace with the changing profile of the British holidaymaker and Independent Travelers, can find that there are gaps in their insurance cover, which AXA are addressing with their Independent Travelers cover, available with AXA travel insurance from their website, axa.co.uk/travelinsurance.

The new product is an optional extension which costs as little as an additional £10 for annual European cover. It covers travelers for a number of areas such as problems with flight cancellations or delays, missed connections or the customer being denied boarding.

With a package holiday, the tour operator or travel agent is legally required to make suitable alternative arrangements for such eventualities, but the independent traveller must make and pay for their own arrangements.

Edward Dutton, AXA's Personal Insurance Director said: "We are aware from our own claims area that Independent Travellers have run into problems with their travel insurance and a recent report from Defaqto underlined the need for insurers to offer cover that helps customers when things go wrong - the things that would normally be picked up by a tour operator or travel agent if it were a package holiday.

Dutton continued: "We believe that the rise of the Independent Traveller is something that all insurers should be addressing; as the Ombudsman pointed out in his latest report - 'There is clearly a mismatch in what insurers intend to offer and the cover that consumers believe they are buying.'"

The additional cover offered by this optional extension includes, delayed departure compensation for delays exceeding 5 hours occurring at the departure point of any connecting flights or booked public transportation on both the outbound and return journeys.

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What would happen if you had a month's trip to America booked - departing in six months time - and were unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer? Suppose you had to cancel your holiday and go in for immediate surgery. If you had been smart and taken out travel insurance - effective from the date you booked the trip - you should be able to recover costs associated with the cancellation of the trip (after any excess payable). However, if you had waited until the day before departure to purchase travel insurance your cancellation costs would not be covered. Some people try to squeeze extra mileage out of their annual travel insurance policy by making the start date of the policy the date of the first departure. This is a risky thing to do because there will be no cover for cancellation costs if anything should go wrong prior to the departure date.

Just suppose you'd been having tests and investigations within the last year for lung-related problems but failed to declare this fact when purchasing travel insurance. During your scuba diving holiday in California, you start coughing up blood all over the dive boat. You have to seek emergency medical care and a diagnosis of lung cancer is confirmed. Would you be covered for the high emergency medical costs or curtailment of your trip? Probably not.

Anyone with a serious pre-existing medical condition will already know that obtaining travel insurance can be tricky, but not impossible. Some travel insurance companies exclude all claims related to pre-existing medical conditions. Some insurers will cover for pre-existing conditions without any additional premium. Other travel insurance companies may have a medical screening system, usually carried out over the telephone or online. A series of questions is asked to assess the risk and determine whether insurance can be issued. If approved, there may be a choice to either pay an additional premium to cover the pre-existing condition - or elect not to pay the extra premium and exclude claims relating to the risk.

Common conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and asthma can all cause problems when trying to obtain travel insurance - especially if combined with other conditions, so never neglect to disclose something as common as high cholesterol thinking that it is insignificant! All questions must be answered fully and honestly.

As with any type of insurance, there are always exclusions. Some insurers will refuse to insure those with pre-existing conditions involving cancer, serious kidney problems (requiring dialysis), serious heart conditions, strokes and HIV, AIDS, or any AIDS-related problems. They also do not cover for suicide or suicide attempts - in case you're thinking of jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge!

Most travel insurance policies will carry similar wording and it is wise to read and understand the terms and conditions. For instance, there might be clauses stating that you should never travel against the advice of a medical practitioner, or to obtain medical treatment abroad (unless already disclosed and pre-approved). The same goes for those on waiting lists for surgery or procedures, or awaiting the results of medical tests. There are specialist travel insurers who will often cover terminal illnesses.

During the medical screening, you may be asked specific questions, such as: have you been a hospital inpatient or had any medical condition that requires ongoing medication, or referral to a specialist within the past twelve months? Have you ever suffered from, been diagnosed with, or treated for cancer (or other malignant disease), a heart or lung condition (excluding well-controlled asthma), high blood pressure or any psychiatric disorder?

Any claims you make which relate directly or indirectly to the types of conditions listed above will normally be excluded - unless you declared the condition and it was accepted by the underwriter, subject to any conditions or additional premiums imposed. Whether or not a particular travel insurance company is willing to offer insurance will depend upon different factors, depending on the underwriter, so it is wise to shop around and obtain quotes.

The biggest mistake is taking the risk of failing to disclose a condition to obtain the insurance. You might get away with it if there are no problems and you have no reason to make a claim. However, if the worst should happen, the insurance company has ways to find out - and they will find out - about any pre-existing conditions! You could find yourself with huge medical bills and your insurance claims denied. With the high cost of medical treatment in some countries (the USA especially) it simply is not worth it. Always be completely honest so that you can have peace of mind and enjoy your holiday without worrying about every twinge!

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When planning your European trip, check your arrival and departures dates and see if they take into account peak, off-peak and shoulder travel periods.

Peak periods are the times when majority of travelers fly in and out of countries and these periods usually coincide with school holidays, Christmas, Easter and New Year. The country you are flying into will also have peak periods unique to that country, so expect flights and accommodation to be heavily booked and tickets to be more expensive. This peak period generally covers late December to January (because of the Christmas season) and late June to the end of August (summer break). Travel during the Christmas holidays can be difficult as plane ticket prices soar and ski resorts start overcharging. Public transport is also reduced in most areas since only a few trains will leave on Christmas day. The "shoulder period" is in spring and autumn and the low or "off-peak" periods are usually in the remaining months and in the winter.

If you have only a limited time to see Europe, your best bet is to fly in and out during a shoulder period. Prices are almost at their lowest and travel conditions are great because you can avoid the crowds and the overpricing. If you have a lot of time to spare in Europe, try flying in the low season when fares are cheapest so you have more money to spread over your stay. It's always a good idea to start checking airfares 3-4 months before you leave. Airlines are starting to discount in order to reward early bookers and there's a lot time to wait if you think they're too high. The cheapest ticket prices might turn up on the net or at your ticket office at anytime. And while you're at it, make sure you've already reserved your accommodation 6 weeks to 2 months before you leave. It's a good idea to reserve a hotel for your arrival and departure days. The rest can be reserved afterwards. Also, remember to check for travel dangers and updates. Your government and insurance company might draw the line if you visit a certain territory they've warned you about. Be informed about the dangers and uprisings in the country you are visiting and do last-minute updates to check conditions right before you leave.

For most seasoned travelers, the best time to see Europe is from April to June and September to October when the weather is still warm, the holiday crowds have left and accommodation and transport are regularly priced.

In contrast, the single worst time to visit most parts of Europe (especially the western and southern countries) is the month of August. This is when many Europeans leave and take their holidays in nearby countries as well. The cities can be deserted and as a result, accommodation prices shoot up and finding a bed can be very difficult. Buses and trains will often be packed and it can be a struggle to get a seat while you cross countries. Even most tourist shops and sites can be closed because the proprietors have gone on holiday as well! There's little doubt that July and August are the busiest tourist months in Europe (mainly because of Americans on vacation) and it will require a lot of patience and money. Avoid these months as much as you can. If you really must travel in the high season, your best course of action is to stay away from the major cities and choose the off-track towns and villages and indulge in the local culture.

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One of the worst feelings in the whole world is to be away from home on holiday and discovering that your luggage has been stolen. Or, perhaps the bag that contains your laptop computer has seemingly grown legs and walked away, never to be seen again. Or, worst of all, your wallet or handbag that contains your money, traveler's checks, passport, visa, cell phone, and other important objects is nowhere to be found.

Most people would begin to panic on the spot, and the rest of their holiday would be ruined. However, if you'd had the forethought to purchase baggage insurance and personal effects coverage along with your policy, you wouldn't be nearly as upset. Inconvenienced, yes... but secure in the knowledge that filing a claim with your travel insurance would reimburse you for all of your lost items, subject to the policy terms and conditions.

Baggage insurance and personal effects coverage also covers any losses due to damaged or delayed items. Say your luggage was lost by the airline, and you have nothing but your carry on bag that contains a candy bar, your iPod, a crossword puzzle book, and a sweater. No change of clothes, and no toiletries. Or maybe your suitcases were damaged by an overzealous baggage handler, and now have large jagged holes in them.

Whatever the case, baggage insurance and personal effects coverage will reimburse you for any costs you incur in purchasing new luggage, or buying a few outfits and some toiletries so you will have something to wear until the airline hopefully finds your bags in a few days. Or, in the case that your luggage is truly lost for good, your travel insurance will reimburse you for the items in your suitcase, up to the maximum coverage amount.

The price of a travel insurance policy with baggage insurance and personal effects coverage will vary, depending on which company you choose, and then on the individual policy from that company. How do you find a good travel insurance policy? A good way to get an overview of all the different kinds of travel insurance that are available is to do an online search for "travel insurance". Take some time to go through several of the results the search engine brings back. When you see a travel insurance company whose offerings interest you, email the insurance professional who oversees the web site to ask any questions you may have.

When you are ready to purchase baggage insurance and personal effects coverage along with a travel insurance policy, you can do business right online. You will be provided with a quote, sometimes an instant quote, for a policy that will be well suited to your needs. You'll be able to see your policy online, too. It's no trouble to see exactly what type of policy you are buying before you pay the premium.

Baggage insurance and personal effects coverage, along with a good travel insurance policy, can save you money, time, and a lot of stress.

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There are many different types of traveller. There are business men and women who are flying from one city to another for brief meetings, then there are families taking a two week holiday to the sun with young children, then there are students or gap year travellers who will be backpacking around exotic locations on extremely low budgets. There are really about as many different types of traveller as there are different types of person.

There are many different approaches you can take to booking your travel arrangements. Your main priority may be convenience, for example if you have a meeting near the airport you will need airport accommodation and little else, however, if you are travelling for pleasure, you are likely to have far less restrictions and will be willing to consider all types of arrangements. You can have these arranged for you by a travel agent or you could do it for yourself online. Or alternatively, you may wish to simply travel to a city or country with absolutely no plans and just see what happens when you get there.

On of the things you should always travel with is proper health and travel insurance. Obviously your requirements will again vary depending on what kind of travel you are undertaking. If you are travelling for business, full travel insurance that will provide you with alternative flights if yours is cancelled or delayed will be important. For most holiday travellers, this may not be quite as important. If you are travelling with children you may wish to consider it, but otherwise you may be quite flexible and tolerant if delays do occur. But you may be more worried about your luggage and belongings and wish to have good coverage for loss or damage to your property. All these options are available today with the various travel insurance companies that are operating in the market.

Generally speaking, you will always need health insurance when you travel. You cannot afford to take the risk that an accident or serious injury occurs and you do not have proper coverage. There are many parts of the word where free national health insurance is not provided and if you do require medical treatment, it will only be provided if you can pay for it. Particularly if you are travelling with children, you should always arrange adequate travel insurance with medical coverage. This is simply a risk that you do not want to be bearing yourself especially when the cost of travel insurance is so affordable.

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Do you really need pet insurance? THE question....

The following questions will help you decide.

1. When the time comes, will you be able to make the decision between what is best for your pet and what you can afford?

We never want to think about it, but we have to be prepared for the unexpected. Unprepared owners could be faced with putting their pet down because they simply cannot afford the medical costs. Dr. Adams of Emory Animal Hospital says, "If they have a fracture that they can't afford to mend, they might choose amputation rather than fix the fracture."

2. Can you watch your pet every second of every day?

Accidents happen when you least expect them. Pets run out the door and eat things they shouldn't. Rachel from Morrison, Colorado has first-hand experience. One day her dog, Abbey, had come home from her usual romp in the woods around her house. But poor Abbey was covered in hives. She had trouble breathing and started vomiting! Luckily, Rachel had pet health insurance and her $680 bill only cost her about three dollars after she sent in her claim!

3. Can you really find cheap pet insurance? When was the last time that anything concerning a doctor was cheap?

Veterinary costs can skyrocket with even the simplest illness. Pet insurance can help protect you from unnecessary fees while allowing your pet to continue receiving regular treatments.

4. How much do you really save?

Think about your monthly bills - house payments, car payments, loans, monthly sums you invest in your retirement, etc. How much have you saved in case of an emergency? Would your savings cover your medical costs if something happened tomorrow?

5. Did you know that veterinary costs are rising faster than the average salary?

Really! They are!

6. Is a couple of dollars a month worth your pet's life?

It doesn't have to cost a fortune to insure your pet.

7. Doesn't your pet deserve it?

Of course, every pet deserves to be well taken care of. Having the financial resources to care for our pets is a responsibility we all should take seriously!

8. How do you find the best pet insurance plan for you and your pet?

First of all, remember to always do your research before you pick a plan. Start with the facts about pet insurance plans in general then find out the details about each plan. You should know what each plan covers or excludes, if the plan has any restrictions, and the costs of deductibles and co-payments.

When comparing plans with similar benefits, remember the old saying "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".

Remember, insurance contracts are legal agreements, and they say what they mean in legal language. Don't let this scare you away from thinking about pet insurance???

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When you are away from home on holiday, or on a business trip, the last thing in the world you want to happen is to suddenly become ill. There's something about being sick that makes you long for the familiarity of home and your own bed instead of the strange one in a rather impersonal hotel room. And no one wants to even think about having to make an emergency visit to a hospital while you are travelling. Unfortunately, these things happen all too frequently. Play it safe and make sure you have travel and overseas medical insurance away from home so that you'll have one less thing to worry about during your trip.

What can having travel medical insurance when you are abroad do for you? If you get sick and have a medical emergency while you are on holiday, subject to the policy terms and conditions, travel medical insurance will reimburse you for any money that you spend on medical expenses up to a preset amount, and will pay for a friend or relative to fly in and accompany you home if you are too sick to travel alone. The policy would also pay in the event that you have to make an emergency evacuation, and if you should die while on holiday, travel medical insurance will pay up to a preset amount to send your remains back to your home. Ambulance expenses and all hospital costs are also paid by medical insurance whilst overseas.

All travel insurance policies are not alike, and will reimburse the policy holder different amounts. If you are thinking that you might have need of travel medical insurance, you should definitely take the time to do some research online and find a company who offers a travel insurance policy that contains the coverage you are seeking. You will be able to compare quotes and choose the policy that is the most cost effective for you.

There are two main types of travel medical insurance that you can use whilst overseas. One is often called standard travel medical insurance, and the other is called annual multi-trip travel medical insurance. Standard travel medical insurance is for people who are planning on taking a one off holiday or journey. Annual multi-trip travel medical insurance is for people who are planning to travel more than once during a one year period.

Medical costs are skyrocketing all over the world. If you should become ill while travelling, you could be looking at a huge medical bill unless you have prepared ahead of time and have overseas medical insurance away from home.

Medical insurance away from home will give you peace of mind while you are travelling. It is well worth the small amount it costs to get a policy started!

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