Bring on the ski season!

With the cool weather breezing its way across Australia, many of us are all beginning to prepare for the inevitable winter season. Winter means hot chocolates, snuggling under a quilt and most of all SNOW!

One Direction to Sydney

Before you get too excited this is not an article about the craze of screaming girls that hit Sydney last week to get a sneak peak at the British boy band, One Direction. However they did inspire this blog- the One Direction boys loved their stay in Sydney- they surfed, went to the zoo, enjoyed the night life and explored all the icons Sydney has to offer.

Never miss your flight again

Are you fed up with missing your Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin flights? Are you sick of rushing to the boarding gates only to be told you’re too late for boarding?

The guide to surviving a long economy flight

Once upon a time when you caught a plane you would receive superior service. Airlines were seen as the luxurious way of travelling. A hot meal, coffee or tea and even an after dinner mint were simply expected. Now-a-days you’ll be lucky to receive a glass of water in a Styrofoam cup.

The cosmetically enhance holiday

Are you looking for some surgically enhanced fun in the sun? Seeking a holiday that reinvigorates you from the inside out? Cosmetic Tourism is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many. Offering exotic destinations, low cost treatments, pool side recovery and best of all its discreet- everyone will be none-the-wiser.

Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami alert

Indonesia is on Tsunami watch are two earthquakes, reaching magnitude of 8.6 and 8.3, hit the east coast of Indonesia Ache Province in the India Ocean on Wednesday, 11 April 2012.  This information concerns travel insurance policies issued on or before 11 April 2012. 1Cover advises travellers that they will be assessing claims in accordance with Product Disclosure Statements, individual circumstances and the type of policy purchased.

How to loose excess baggage?

How to avoid the dreaded excess baggage charges when travelling.One of the most stressful situations that we all face when travelling is the concern that your luggage will be over the weight limit at the airport.
Excess baggage charges are expensive and something we’d all like to avoid. With Qantas putting stricter limits on their international baggage allowances, the team at 1Cover Travel Insurance has put together some tips on how to avoid the luggage handlers at the airport slamming you with excess charges right before departing.
Tip 1# Check your luggage limits
It may seem obvious but often we forget to check the luggage limits when travelling. Make sure that your luggage limits are either the same or if possible more generous on your flight home. When travelling in a foreign land we all pick up a few extra souvenirs, often without even contemplating luggage limits on the way home. Making certain that you are aware of your luggage limits to and from your destination is essentially the number 1 tip to avoid a hefty bill.    

Tip 2# Plan ahead and organise in advance

 If you are aware that your luggage will be in excess of the luggage limits prior to departure you should contact the airline as soon as you can. Often if you advise an airline of your excess luggage prior to arrival at the airport they will often give you a cheaper rate of excess baggage charges.

Tip 3# Consider your options

 If your excess luggage will be considerably large and too costly to take on board a plane there is always the option of using a baggage freight company.  It is significantly cheaper to use an external freight company than through the airport. You can simply research online to find the most suitable provider.

Tip 4# Be aware and you won’t despair

Get yourself some portable luggage scales. They are light and easy to take with you when you are travelling. Having these scales will allow you to be 100 per cent certain that your luggage is within the right weight range before going to the airport.

Tip 5# Will you be spending up big overseas?

 If the answer to the above question is yes then make certain that you either pack significantly less on the way over or be prepared to pay extra for your luggage on the way home.

 Tip 6# Don’t risk sneaking it on-board

 Airports are extremely strict with their luggage allowances. Attempting to carry extra carry-on luggage will only result in you being embarrass and stressed right before departure. Gone are the days when airlines would let you take that extra item on-board with no extra charge, they will catch you and you will be put in a difficult predicament.

Excess baggage charges are avoidable with a little preparation and consciousness. These nasty charges are annoying and can really ruin what was a great holiday. So be informed, contact your airline and plan ahead.

 

IMPORTANT TRAVEL ALERT: Fiji flooding

This is an important update regarding the recent flooding in Fiji and how it affects current 1Cover Travel Insurance policy holders who purchased a policy on or before 30 March 2012.

1Cover Travel Insurance will be working to assess all claims in accordance with customer’s policy wording and cover purchased. Please be advised that the following information is critical in understanding how to proceed with your insurance claim and how to progress with your travel arrangements.

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER CURRENTLY TRAVELING

Please be advised that if your transport has been delayed or cancelled or your accommodation has been declared uninhabitable due to the Fiji flooding, any additional food, accommodation and travel expense should be covered by your policy.

• Please read your Product Disclosure Statement for limits and full details regarding what can and can’t be claimed.
• 1Cover will not approve claims for any cancellations or rearrangements that are not affected by the flooding and are operating as usual.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE NOT YET DEPARTED

Your policy should include cover for any cancellations or rearrangements of your journey due to the flooding.

• Please contact your travel adviser or agent regarding the best options for proceeding. Some travel providers may apply penalty-free options to amend your travel arrangements.
• There is cover for unforseen and unexpected circumstances. As the Fiji flooding has been publicised within the media there is now no provisions to claim under these circumstances.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

If you are required to purchase additional food, accommodation or travel arrangements please continue to spend less or equivalent to what you had previously planned to spend prior to the flooding.

• 1Cover will assess claims under the terms and conditions of your policy purchased with us. If you have a cancellation only policy there WILL NOT be cover for any additional expenses. If you have a budget policy please read your policy wording for precise benefits covered.
• Please keep all receipts for any additional transport, expenses or accommodation booked. Please also show all documentation for what you had previously planned prior to the floods. This information will be needed when processing your claim.
• Any compensation or refunds received will be deducted from your end claim amount with us.

 FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have any questions or queries regarding your claim please contact Allianz Global Assistance Information Hotline on 1300 725 154. For up to date information on travel advice and information continually check www.allianzassistance.com.au.

For Australian travellers please keep your eye on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to receive travel advice for more than 160 destinations overseas via its website www.smarttraveller.gov.au.