Imagine yourself there... a beautiful, tranquil tropical island. You set off for the day on your rented scooter to visit must-see local tourist attractions. You also plan to explore the secluded beaches you heard about last night from a local in the bar. You take to the road, enjoying the sensation of the warm breeze in your hair and the sun on your skin. Life is good. Exams, work, pressure and stress all a lifetime away. You have travel insurance, so what could possibly go wrong to spoil such perfection?
Unfortunately, quite a lot...
Continue with the dreamy scenario... you cruise along at a safe speed, take a bend, and then... panic as a vehicle approaches at great speed. It's overtaking and heading straight for you. You swerve, and regain consciousness a while later upside down in a ditch with a serious head injury and broken ankle.
It all seemed so easy when you rented the scooter; you paid the fee and signed some papers. They provided a helmet but you didn't know, or forgot, that the law required you to wear it (and you could be fined).
As they carry you off to hospital you ask them to find the travel insurance policy tucked away somewhere in your luggage.
The insurance will take care of it, right?
You just have to call the Emergency Assistance Service number listed in the insurance policy and they will pay for your medical treatment. Perhaps they will pay for the mangled scooter as well.
Unfortunately, maybe not...
Young backpackers and travellers are the ones most likely to find themselves in this situation, but it could happen to anyone. Renting a moped or scooter is certainly a brilliant way to get around on holiday, and cheaper than renting a car, but what about the risks?
Sadly, there are too many tragic accidents each year involving tourists riding mopeds, scooters and quad bikes at tourist hot spots around the world. In many cases they will not have bothered to read the terms and conditions of the scooter rental agreement or their insurance policy. They discover, too late, that their claims for medical expenses and liability are not covered.
In many countries it is the law that you must wear a helmet when riding a scooter or moped. Most insurance policy terms and conditions require the use of protective clothing and/or a helmet. The use of a motorised vehicle is often found under the 'Hazardous Activities' section of a policy. It is there for a reason! It is important to check because there are usually restrictions on the power of the vehicle you can ride, with an additional premium or higher excess for a more powerful machine. If you are in any doubt at all, no matter where you buy your insurance, always contact the company and ask for advice before you set off on holiday.
It is important to rent scooters, mopeds and quad bikes from a reputable company. Check the rental agreement to see what is and is not covered. You should already have checked your travel insurance and so will know whether or not you are covered for Personal Liability.
Check that your driving license is valid to use the vehicle, the age requirements, and whether it is legal to ride on public roads in the country. Do not leave your passport with the company as security.
The cost of medical treatment abroad is incredibly high. If you don't have travel insurance or do not comply with the terms and conditions of the insurance you could be in for an expensive nightmare to pay for medical care, not to mention the cost of medical repatriation, if needed, to fly you home by air ambulance.
It's futile crying after it's too late, or blaming the rental company or your travel insurance because you did not know about exclusions in the policy.
Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that the onus is on the traveller to check what is and is not covered by a rental agreement or travel insurance. Don't let this happen to you and risk ruining your dream holiday.
Jean Andrews is an employee of Travel Insurance Agencies Ltd. She regularly contributes informative articles about travel insurance and travel related matters.To find out more and to obtain a quote for cheap travel insurance from this well-established company, visit their UK website at
Travel Insurance Direct or
Travel Insurance Direct-Ireland for residents of Ireland.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7305618
