Under The Sun Travel Insurance The Best Comprehensive Value For Money Travel Insurance Under The Sun Providers of Comprehensive Cover for Travellers since 1998 Before you travel. Ensure passports, visa and travel documents are in order. Make sure that you have had the required vaccinations  and inoculations. If you are travelling to Europe, you should get the new European Health Insurance Card before  you travel. This card, The EHIC replaces the old E111 form. The EHIC is free. To get an EHIC follow the  underlined links to apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by telephone on 0845 6062030.  You should  always leave a copy or scan with a friend or relative.  If you have Pre-Existing Medical Conditions, you will have obtained a Medical Reference Number from our  Medical Screening Line before purchasing your Policy. This number is unique to you and will show on your Policy  Certificate as shown in this example =  tms1221749a.    Medical Care while you are abroad. / About the EHIC Card. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to get state-provided healthcare in all European  Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge.  You can apply for the card free of charge on the official EHIC website at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers Other  unofficial websites may charge you if you apply through them. The card is valid for up to five years.   Even if you don't plan to travel in the near future, it's a good idea to get one.   Find out how to renew or apply for a free EHIC.   The EHIC entitles British nationals to free or discounted medical care in 28 European Countries.  On January  1st 2006 the EHIC replaced the E111 form.  The new EHIC entitles you to the same state-provided healthcare that is generally offered to the locals of the  country you’re visiting.  This doesn't mean you will be entitled to the same standard of medical care offered by the  NHS in Britain.  Private treatment is not covered.  The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. For instance you would not be covered for all medical costs or for  flights home in the event that you need an emergency flight home.  Please follow this link to apply for an EHIC. Apply for An EHIC .   Please follow this link for Travel Tips by Destination and other important Travel Information.  Secure your home. Take care not to advertise the fact that you are away. It is a good idea to leave some lights in the home that are  operated by timers.  Cancel all deliveries of newspapers, milk etc. Arrange for a neighbour to keep an eye on your house while you are  away. Try to avoid taking expensive jewellery and other valuables away with you. Allow sufficient time to reach the  airport or departure point.  Make additional allowances for the unexpected.  Remember to ensure that your home contents and house insurance policies are up to date.  If you are leaving during the winter months, it is recommended that you leave your heating on very low 24 hours a  day to ensure that your water system is not damaged.  Usually your heating system can be set so that it will kick in only in the event of temperatures reaching levels that  would cause freeze damage to your plumbing system. Setting the heating system in this way should be relatively  inexpensive.  Ask a friend to perhaps call in occasionally so that if an emergency occurs, it can be detected and the damage can  be kept to a minimum.   On Holiday.  Don't chance risking over exposure to the sun, especially where children and babies are concerned. Children and  babies should have sun hats to protect them from the sun.  Ensure that you have plenty of sun-block cream with the appropriate factor. The sun is at its strongest between  11am and 3pm.  Be careful with unfamiliar food and drink. Check that local water is safe to drink. If in doubt, always buy bottled  water. Observe warning signs and local laws, particularly in the Middle East and Asia.  Don't leave your luggage or valuables unattended at any time, especially at airports and hotels. Don't carry  luggage for any other person, or accept to take luggage or any other items that someone else asks you to carry,  you can never be sure of what you are carrying if it is given to you by someone else.  Don't carry more money or valuables around with you than you need to.  Avoid keeping your passports, cheque books and credit cards together unless in a hotel safe.   Swimming and diving. Think before you swim especially when diving. Check the depth of the swimming pools and sea, and only dive if  you are sure the water is deep enough. Check the strength of sea tides and the position of any rocks that could be  dangerous. Do not swim too far away from the beach area. Sometimes the tide ca be very deceiving. It far more  difficult to swim back to the beach area than it is to swim out to sea.  .  If something Goes Wrong.  Keep your travel insurance documents to hand with the emergency numbers. Always retain all receipts for medical  expenses. Report losses / theft to the Police immediately and obtain a copy of the report.  Losses not discovered until return MUST be reported to the Airline within 7 days.   If your flight is delayed, you must obtain written confirmation from the carrier giving the reason for the delay and  duration. This will enable you to claim for delayed departure benefit.   Hazardous Pursuits. If you are going to engage in any activities which may be hazardous please make sure that your travel insurance  policy will cover you. Most activities are covered by the Under The Sun Policy. Please see Hazardous Activties link  for list of activities covered as standard.  In the event that you are going to engage in activities that you are unsure of please read the section in the  policy wording that covers this. If after reading this section you are still unsure please contact us.   Relax and Enjoy your Holiday by Being Prepared.