Your travel insurance policy is likely include coverage for things you did not realise

JETSETTERS with travel insurance may be covered for expenses they were not aware of and that can quickly add up.

JETSETTERS heading on an overseas jaunt are unlikely to think twice about the cost of caring for their pets or having someone clean their house if they are delayed home or return sick or injured.

Unexpected circumstances can cause holiday-makers immense heartache and can end up costing them tens of thousands of dollars if they travel without insurance.

New analysis by comparetravelinsurance.com.au found policy holders who do end up making a claim may not realise how far their cover goes.

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Many things can go wrong on holidays so it pays to have travel insurance.

Some travel insurance policies can cover a range of weird and wonderful things including:

— Accommodation for your pets if you are delayed on your return home.

— Someone to clean your house if you return home injured and are incapacitated.

— Cocktail dress cover if your dress rips accidentally and you have to repair or replace formal attire.

— If you’re made redundant some insurers will reimburse you for prepaid expenses.

Rebecca Penn, 27, and her partner Rob Andrews, 32, are about to head off an a month-long European adventure and she didn’t realise the inclusions in some travel insurance policies such as cover for pets.

Rebecca Penn and her partner Rob Andrews were not aware their dog has some cover in their travel insurance policy.

“I always sign up to travel insurance and I usually look for cover for my phone, passport, baggage or things that could disrupt my trip,’’ she said.

“It’s important to have maximum cover too, so if your bags are lost it’s not just the minimum cover but I never even thought about having cover for my dog Wolverine.”

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Comparetravelinsurance.com.au’s director Natalie Ball said policy holders should examine the fine print closely before signing up.

“When choosing travel insurance travellers typically look for medical benefits and coverage for cancellations, delays or lost luggage,’’ she said.

“But there are a host of other benefits that they can take advantage of which often go unnoticed and unused.

“Some even include some coverage for bills if your pets have to visit the vet while you’re away.”

Travel insurance is imperative for jetsetters particularly those taking overseas holidays.

The Insurance Council of Australia’s spokeswoman Lisa Kable said travel insurance is not expensive and can be as little as $80 for an 11-day trip and it’s vital to pick the right policy for the right trip.

“If you are going to a wedding and a ripped cocktail dress is going to be a problem then include that, but if you are backpacking you won’t need that,’’ she said.

She said you may want cancellation cover in case you have to call off your trip at the last minute but not all policies include this.

There can also be significant savings on policy costs if customers already hold another form of insurance with the same insurer, Ms Kable said.

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Originally published as Your travel insurance policy is likely include coverage for things you did not realise