American Express creates an essential deal

American Express Insurance Services has launched “Essential” - a flexible, new European annual travel insurance product priced from £29.

Four out of every five visits we make abroad are to Europe and Britons made over 55 million visits to Europe last year. This trend is set to continue to rise. American Express Insurance Services polled 10,000 customers who are planning 7% more short breaks in 2008 than 2007.

Essential offers protection for anyone aged 18-65. Policies start from just £29 (adults aged 18 – 49). Family policies are available from £45.00. Essential offers great flexibility with a range of add-on options including winter sports and golf cover.
Travellers whose personal possessions are already covered with their household insurance can opt out of the £1,500 cover for loss or stolen personal baggage.

Summary of Essential Benefits & Cover PER PERSON:

Emergency Medical £10,000,000
Personal Liability £1,000,000
Personal Accident £10,000
Cancellation & Curtailment £3,000
Baggage (optional) £1500
Missed Departure and/or Connection(s) £250
Single Item Limit £150
Loss of Passport £100
Loss of Money £100
Personal Baggage Delay £100
Travel Delay £100

Cover for winter sports includes equipment loss and delay and also offers compensation for either a lack of snow - piste closure - or for too much snow – such as when avalanches disrupt travel arrangements. Whilst any level of expertise is covered Essential plus winter sports covers experienced skiers or snowboarders going off-piste without a guide, and covers inexperienced participants off-piste if they are under the supervision of a guide.

Golf cover includes £2,500 protection for equipment for any loss, theft or damage and £1,000 for any pre-paid unrecoverable green fees. Most importantly, the cover includes £300 Hole in One protection for the mandatory and traditional round of drinks!

Essential customers who carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will also qualify for an additional discount on their travel insurance premium.

Joanne Field, Marketing Manager, American Express Insurance Services: “Often great value policies fall down when it comes to the cover limits. Essential combines a keen premium with comprehensive cover - such as the £3,000 cancellation and curtailment limit per person.”

For more information about Essential visit the American Express website americanexpress.co.uk. Those purchasing on-line enjoy a 5% saving on the regular price.