Planning a long break?

By 2016 one in eight Britons will plan to retire abroad, whilst by 2025, two million Britons will own a second home abroad. Travellers planning an extended visit will require specialist insurance as the annual travel insurance maximum trip length is generally too short.

Annual policies and Gap policies differ in the length of trip cover they offer. Annual policies provide cover for multi trip travel with a maximum number of days covered within any 12 month period. Gap policies provide cover for a continuous period from three months upwards and are priced accordingly.

American Express Gap Insurance policies are available for durations of three, six, nine, twelve, fifteen or eighteen months. There are three types of policies. The first is for Worldwide cover for adults aged 18 – 65 years inclusive. There are additional policies for Europe and Worldwide cover which specifically excludes North America and the Caribbean and for adults aged 18 – 79 years inclusive. Internet prices start from £118.75.

Location, Location, Location. Gap policies can be bought for Europe, Worldwide and Worldwide excluding North America. Travellers should check all the countries visited are covered.

Home Is Where The Heart Is. If a close relative in the UK is taken ill, Gap policies ensure that travellers can either curtail or cancel their trip or fly home to visit and then resume their break if desired.

Adventurous Spirit? If you have an adventurous streak and plan to try your hand at some extreme sports – check with your insurer first. Gap policies will cover some sports for example windsurfing, but a bungee jump may require extra coverage such as American Express’ Special Sports policy.

Case Study

Gwen and Maurice Capel from Crewe were enjoying an extended holiday in Tenerife with their son when Gwen started too have heart palpitations. An ambulance was called and Gwen was taken to hospital where she spent the night in intensive care and had tests for another 48 hours.

Gwen continues: “On our behalf, the hospital contacted our insurer, American Express, on the evening I was admitted to hospital. The hospital advised us that American Express had instantly confirmed that the medical costs and my hospital stay were fully covered.”

Gwen remained in hospital for just under three days but then continued to have further tests as an outpatient.

The Capels had a Gap policy with American Express which covered both the hospital and the medical treatment costs – a total of nearly £1,500. The Capels claimed a further £700 for the cost of prescribed medication and hospital visits.

Gwen: “This is not the first time we have had to claim on our travel insurance with American Express. On both occasions the company was very professional and efficient, you never know how good your insurance really is until you have to make a claim – but I can’t fault the experience we’ve had. We felt we were in very safe hands.”

Joanne Field, Marketing Manager, American Express Insurance Services: “If you fall ill on holiday the last thing you will feel up to tackling is paperwork and bureaucracy to get medical attention. Gwen and her husband have experienced how easy and comprehensive our service is to use.”

American Express Gap Insurance offers many benefits including:

Medical Emergency & Repatriation Cover up to £10 million.
Cancellation & Curtailment up to £5,000.
Personal Liability up to £2 million.
Personal Baggage up to £1,500.
Personal Accident up to £30,000.
Missed Departures/Connection.
Travel & Personal Baggage Delay.
17 days’ Winter Sports cover