Travel Insurance for Cyprus

Key takeaways

• Ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance cover for any unexpected turn of events

• Take out travel insurance from the moment you book your holiday, not just from the departure date. This ensures coverage for cancellations before you even leave

• The EHIC and GHIC provide emergency healthcare coverage in the Republic of Cyprus but not in the Turkish-run north

Cyprus, an island where history whispers from ancient ruins and the Mediterranean sun kisses golden beaches. But before you immerse yourself in the island's enchanting history and landscapes, it's crucial to consider the practicalities of your journey—namely, the importance of travel insurance.

The essential companion: Travel insurance

Cyprus is a favourite holiday destination for many Brits. But don’t let familiarity with this Mediterranean island make you forget the need for travel insurance. A worry-free holiday is a well-insured one, and travel insurance stands as your safeguard against the unexpected. Illnesses, accidents, and lost belongings can turn a dream vacation into a distressing ordeal. With the right coverage, you can protect yourself from the financial strains of trip cancellations, early returns, or crimes encountered during your stay.

What should your travel insurance cover?

When selecting a travel insurance policy for your Cyprus getaway, ensure it includes the following essentials:

• Cover for medical expenses, which can quickly escalate abroad.

• Cover for your repatriation to the UK, should this be necessary due to medical reasons.

• Cover for cancelling or curtailing your holiday in an emergency, ensuring you're not left out of pocket.

• Delay and missed departure cover for those unforeseen events that might cause you to miss your flight.

• Cover for lost and stolen baggage, protecting your personal items.

• Cover for the loss or theft of your passport, which is essential for international travel.

• Personal liability cover, in case you're held responsible for causing injury or damage to property.

• Travel Abandonment Cover: This applies when the journey becomes impossible for some reason, ensuring you're not left stranded or out of pocket.

Be Mindful of Exclusions and Special Circumstances

While travel insurance provides a safety net, it's important to be aware of common exclusions:

• Incidents arising from pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered unless you've arranged for extended coverage.

• Accidents resulting from intoxication or during high-risk activities like skiing or scuba diving may require additional insurance.

• Events such as terrorism, war, and natural disasters are typically not covered.

• Travel to areas advised against by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office may invalidate your insurance. Cover in any location that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised British tourists not to visit is essential to consider when choosing your policy.

• Civil unrest and specific natural disasters like earthquakes may also be excluded from standard policies.

Understanding policy excess

Make sure you check the excess on your travel insurance policy before you buy it. The policy excess is the amount you'll need to pay towards any claim. A higher excess might reduce your premium, but it also means more out-of-pocket expenses when you need to claim.

Timing is everything

It's advisable to take out your travel insurance policy from the moment you book your holiday, not just from the departure date. This ensures you're covered for any cancellations that might occur before you even set foot on the plane.

Health cards and your health in Cyprus

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provide coverage for emergency healthcare in the Republic of Cyprus but are not valid in the Turkish-run north. Remember, these cards complement but do not replace comprehensive travel insurance. The UK is still participating in this scheme even though it is not part of the European Union and EHIC cards can continue to be used until they expire. You can apply for the new UK GHIC through the NHS – which is free and works in exactly the same way as the EHIC.

Travel smart in Cyprus

Here are a few tips to help you navigate Cyprus safely and respectfully:

• Acknowledge the political divide between the north and south, and be prepared for currency differences.

• Respect the local customs; avoid excessive public drinking and drug use.

• Basic knowledge of Greek or Turkish can be helpful, though English is widely spoken.

• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

• Be cautious on the roads; driving standards and conditions may vary from what you're used to.

• Be politically aware of the north and south divide, stay sensible with alcohol consumption, learn a little Greek or Turkish, consider your clothing at religious sites, and think twice about driving due to different driving standards.

Finding the right cover with MoneySuperMarket

Are you heading off to Cyprus for your next relaxing holiday? Comparing travel insurance policies with MoneySuperMarket is a quick and easy way to find affordable cover for your upcoming getaway. Our platform helps you navigate the myriad of options to find the best deal that suits your needs, ensuring peace of mind as you embark on your Cypriot adventure. Comparing travel insurance policies is a step-by-step process, from providing details to clicking through to the provider to finalize the purchase.

Embarking on a journey to Cyprus is an exciting prospect filled with the promise of sun, sea, and cultural exploration. With the right travel insurance in place, you can savour every moment of your Mediterranean escapade, secure in the knowledge that you're protected against life's unpredictabilitys. Happy travels!