Which travel insurance for the Channel Islands?

[Otter]

We're returning this year for a couple of weeks, young family so I was a bit shocked to realise last year that there's no reciprocal health cover with the UK. Who do you use for medical insurance for visits to the CI's? All the policies I've looked at are geared to package holidays, no point paying for insurance for delayed flights

 

[Kwik Decision]

If you're sailing there on a private boat then both Pants and Bishop Skinner do appropriate policies, but they are (relatively) quite expensive. We have a Bishop Skinner annual policy, which I believe covers us sailing over there, but have never needed to claim. If you are travelling by ferry or plane over there for a family holiday, then I think a standard Europe travel policy will cover you for significantly less.

 

[Appledore]

I think you will find that Jersey now has a reciprocal agreement with the UK, and you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EU 1-11 that was)

 

[sailorman]

I think you will find that Jersey now has a reciprocal agreement with the UK, and you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EU 1-11 that was)

Yes its only Guernsey that has no reciprocal deal . Topsail have been recommended by some on the livaboard

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?427284-travel-insurance&highlight=topsail

 

[Otter]

Does that mean Alderney is also a non-reciprocal as their in the same Balliwick? Plus we're away for 6 weeks but only need two weeks cover in the CI's which isn't an option with Topsail who do 30 days max.

 

[Bobc]

Take a look at Columbus Direct. Covers you within European waters.

 

[Otter]

Take a look at Columbus Direct. Covers you within European waters.

Thanks, I've now checked them out and that's perfect for what I need.

 

[[70521]]

Check if your bank's current account covers it, mine does.

 

[duncan99210]

I spent a night in hospital on Alderney, along with two other crew members, after a knock down in the Casquets. We were treated for hypothermia and assorted dings. Unless the skipper had a bill which he settled without telling us, I think we were treated for free.

 

[SimonD]

Check if your bank's current account covers it, mine does.

Also check your home insurance. My Direct Line includes travel insurance.

 

[Otter]

Also check your home insurance. My Direct Line includes travel insurance.

Thanks, I just rang them to check and they do!

For £15 per month actually not too bad a deal as it includes break down cover but I get that for free with BMW.

 

[sailorman]

Does that mean Alderney is also a non-reciprocal as their in the same Balliwick? Plus we're away for 6 weeks but only need two weeks cover in the CI's which isn't an option with Topsail who do 30 days max.

Michael_W was away for 2 yrs

 

[Bandit]

I have the opposite problem IE Live in Guernsey and UK has no reciprocal agreement with Guernsey.

Self and wife have Bishop Skinner yachtsmans annual so hopefully are covered for A&E in UK Europe etc.

You can get specific cover from the GPO but check the terms re travel by yacht and staying on Yacht?

Beware off the shelf holiday insurance or free with bank account insurance they only normally cover you when you travel with a public carrier ie airline or ferry operator and stay in holiday accommodation ie Hotels, B&B etc not travel by yacht and stay on board!!!!!

 

[Hadenough]

Michael_W was away for 2 yrs

And?

 

[rjandhl]

Also beware that most standard policies require that the accommodation must be pre booked and of a certain minimum duration before cover is valid. Most standard policies consider CI's to be part of the UK for insurance purposes.

 

[sailorman]

And?

He insured with Topsail is you trouble your self to read the link in post 4

 

[l'escargot]

I think you will find that Jersey now has a reciprocal agreement with the UK, and you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EU 1-11 that was)

Jersey (and the other CIs) are not in the EU - EHC/111 is worthless. Any treatment within A&E is covered but as soon as you move out of A&E, you pay. Everyone pays for GP visits, even residents.

 

[Sailfree]

Be Very Careful.

Insurance is only wanted when you want to claim.

To sell policies they will promise you everything,

To make a claim most require a copy of the booking invoice as they are geared for package holidays and normal travel -not cruising.

We had a series of letters when we claimed for a delayed flight that they insisted no invoice - no claim. They finally confirmed that we would not be covered if travel by our own boat in spite of many different promises!

We now have an RYA insurance policy with Bishop Skinner (Bluefin)

 

[wizard]

+1 for Bluefin, seems to cover all the bases.

 

[guernseyman]

As a matter of pedanticism the agreement in Jersey, absent in Guernsey Bailiwick, is bilateral, not reciprocal.