A beach vacation is something we all dream of, a time of relaxation and carefree fun, just like the pictures in vacation brochures.

See yourself there now…relaxing on a sun-kissed white-sand tropical beach, sipping an ice-cold drink through a straw, while palm fronds sway gently in the breeze… Later, as the sun sets, The hypnotic beat of a native steel band summons you along the shore, where the love of your life and more rum punch awaits…

Screech… Sorry, but a nasty jolt back to reality, and a few words of caution. If you’re planning activities like snorkeling, windsurfing, or sailing, think twice before ordering another cold beer or cocktail with a funny name; You know the ones that look like fruit juice, with a nice umbrella. Those on bachelorette party trips should pay special attention because most tourists have no idea that travel insurance is unlikely to cover claims when intoxication is found to be a factor. Sorry to spoil the fantasy, but it’s a sobering fact from the real world… remember that?

Travel insurance covers many aspects of a vacation, but it does not provide an excuse to act irresponsibly. All policies have exclusions regarding “willful exposure to danger,” but who bothers to read the boring insurance jargon? It basically means that the insured is expected to do everything possible to prevent injury, illness, and property damage or loss. In other words, act like there is no insurance!

Don’t jump to the cheapest quote on that online comparison site. Check coverage levels, especially medical expenses and the hospital benefit. In countries like the US, medical costs can be mind-boggling, so be especially careful if you’re heading to places like Miami or Malibu. Emergency medical repatriation is another essential element that may be missing from that cheap policy. It’s worth paying a little extra to make sure the coverage is adequate.

Do you understand the meaning of the base ‘incidental’?

Going snorkeling or taking a helicopter sightseeing trip, for example, is usually covered on an ‘incidental’ (casual) basis. The difference is that going on a boat vacation would be ‘non-incidental’ because the main purpose of the trip is to sail.

Are your planned activities covered?

Activities such as windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, banana boating, and skydiving are typically covered on an incidental basis. Kayak and dive coverage may depend on grade or depth.

Rented water sports equipment may not be well-maintained or up to safety standards, and operators may not be licensed or insured, so personal liability can be an issue. Travel insurance policies typically do not cover personal liability claims arising from the use of any mechanically propelled vehicle, watercraft, or conveyance, including personal watercraft. An example would be the rental of water ski equipment and an accident caused the material to break or, worse still, injury to third parties. One more warning… Without travel insurance, it is the responsibility of the family of an injured or deceased person to pay for medical expenses and arrange for the repatriation of the injured or the body. Who would want to put their loved ones through that?

What else can you do to avoid problems? Find out about potentially hostile marine life at your destination. There are dangers like jellyfish, which can cause a painful or even deadly sting, so learn to spot them before you come in contact. Sea critters like stingrays can hide in the sand and attack if you step on them, so invest in a pair of beach shoes to wear in the waves. Be careful with food and drink to avoid Tourist Two Step, Delhi Belly, Montezuma’s Revenge, Casablanca Crud, or worse.

With a little thought and preparation, nothing should spoil those long, lazy, happy, sun-filled days at the beach. Choose your travel insurance wisely, whether it’s a single trip, an annual multi-trip, or a backpacker policy (cheaper due to reduced coverage for luggage). Pack a dash of common sense along with the beach towels and sunscreen, go easy on the rum punches, and your vacation will be exactly like the one in the brilliant vacation brochure!