Good Health Via The Net
Sun Herald
Saturday October 25, 1997
THERE'S no doubt about it: insurance is a must-have for cautious travellers. If you haven't and you lose your luggage or get sick in a country like the US, you could return home to a mountain of bills.
Travel insurance companies have competitive rates but now there is a new element in the market - the Internet. Experts predict it will soon be common to buy your travel insurance on the Net. Click on a site, view the options, choose your level of cover, type your details on the application form and pay instantly by credit card.
One Internet insurance company is FutureSafe whose spokesman, Mark Robinson, said the advantage of dealing through the Internet was that companies don't charge commission as they don't need agents to sell the product.
"Another advantage is that you can compare prices, pay up and get results without moving from your screen," he said.
If a customer is uncomfortable with the security of their card details on the Internet, they can fax them. Or send a cheque or money order. FutureSafe Travel is underwritten by the American International Assurance Company (Australia) Limited, which is AAA rated.
Such innovations mean that soon the only time you will need to leave the house to prepare for your holidays is when you depart for the airport.
WEIGHING UP THE CYBERSAVINGS ON TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comparing FutureSafe with two traditional options . . .
Jetset
FutureSafe Smart Traveller's
Travel Cover Assistance
INDIVIDUAL AROUND THE WORLD For six months $360
$525 $538
INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS TRAVEL 30 days to UK and USA $145
$180 $204
Premium for special business benefits
$25 n/a n/a
FAMILY HOLIDAY For 23 days around Asia
$175 $286 $252
BENEFITS
Overseas medical (expenses incurred outside Australia
because of accident or illness)
yes yes yes
Cancellation (value of unused arrangements due to
unforeseen circumstances)
yes yes yes
Compensation for accidental loss of cash
yes yes no
Compensation for accidental loss of traveller's cheques yes
no yes
Travel delay compensation (for extra expenses incurred if
travel is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances)
yes no yes
Missed transport connection (for extra expenses incurred
if you miss a transport connection and it's outside your control) yes
no yes
Resumption of journey compensation (pay for reasonable
costs incurred to complete your original travel arrangements yes
no yes
interrupted by a return trip to Australia due to the death of a relative)
Air fare compensation (pay cost of your original ticket if you are
turned to Australia having completed less than 75 pc of
originally scheduled journey or if confined to an o/s hospital
for more than 25pc of originally scheduled journey)
yes no yes
Hijacking and kidnapping payment
yes yes no
Credit card benefit (pay the amount outstanding on your credit
card in the event of your accidental death)
yes no no
Legal expenses (paid as a result of an accident overseas) yes
no yes
Injury, loss of income (compensation for loss of income due
to permanent disability or inability to work due to accident
for the duration of holiday)
yes yes yes
Personal liability (covers legal liability for injury to or damage
to property of another person)
yes yes yes
Domestic pets compensation (for additional kennel fees if return
journey is delayed for a reason outside your control)
no no yes
Rental vehicle insurance excess (compensation for excess if
vehicle is involved in a car accident or stolen)
no no yes
For more information FutureSafe: http://www.futuresafe.com.au or phone (02) 9241
3627. Smart Cover: (02) 9223 6822. Jetset Traveller's Assistance: (0) 9250 9900
© 1997 Sun Herald
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