American Express Warns Against Reliance On European Health Insurance Card
Holidaymakers have been advised to make sure that their finances will not be left in a similar shade of red to their skin upon returning from a holiday abroad.
Such is the assertion of American Express, which claims it is important for those set to go away this summer to first of all ensure that they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy. And despite the fact that many Britons believing getting a European Health Insurance Card will provide them with all the protection they need for a break on the continent, the financial services firm advised against relying on this.
Although such a card can give UK residents the right to either free or cut-price healthcare depending on where in Europe they are, American Express warned that the document will not cover them against other holiday mishaps in the same way a travel insurance policy will.
Those who do not have a travel insurance policy may find that they have to dip into their own pockets and purses in order to meet the expense of holiday disasters such as replacing lost luggage, arranging transport after a delay or covering the cost of a cancelled flight. This could have an impact upon their ability to manage other spending commitments - for instance loans, utility bills, credit and store cards and mortgage repayments - upon their return to Britain.
Holidaymakers may also be interested to know that some of the continental destinations not covered by the European Health Insurance Card include Croatia, Turkey and Belarus.
Consumers looking for an effective way in which to finance a break abroad might wish to take out a personal loan.
Chris Rolland, head of American Express Insurance Services, said: “With so many Brits planning a summer holiday in Europe this month, travellers should be careful not to rely on European Health Insurance Cards. They are not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance so you will not be covered for delays, loss of baggage or cancellations or experience other benefits of having an independent travel insurance policy.”
He went on to report those with the cards should be aware that they are “solely for emergency medical treatment in Europe”. Mr Rolland added that it is crucial for holidaymakers to make sure that they take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy before going on holiday so as to avoid “any unwanted financial difficulties”.
Whether looking to hit the slopes of Switzerland or have a beach break in Benidorm those wanting an effective way to meet the cost of going on a foreign holiday might wish to apply for a personal loan. In doing so borrowers may be able to pay for flights and accommodation quickly, as well as generating some disposable income for spending money. The additional financial assistance which a loan brings could also help people to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Getting a personal loan may be especially helpful for those in the north-east after a recent study by CreditExpert showed people from this part of the country are particularly willing to borrow money in order to fund a holiday.
Essentially Home Loans providing you with breaking personal loans news.