Travel insurance hints and tips

Not all travel insurance policies are the same. Find out how to get the right cover for your holiday.
In the excitement of planning your summer holiday it’s important to make sure you have suitable travel insurance. Remarkably, one in seven of us go on holiday without any form of travel insurance, according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Follow these guidelines to find the right cover at the best price.
1. Search the market
Avoid buying your insurance from a travel agent. It seems much easier to buy it when you book your holiday, but insurance from travel agents is typically expensive. More importantly, travel agents are not answerable to the Financial Services Authority so consumers have no protection if they are mis-sold a policy.
2. Policy type: single or multi-trip
Think about how many times you are likely to travel in a year. If you take more than one holiday a year, consider buying an annual multi-trip policy.
Although the total cost is higher, an annual policy is far cheaper when you spread the cost across the number of days you actually spend on holiday.
3. Hazardous activities and winter sports
Before you go on holiday, check your insurance policy covers 'hazardous activities' such as jet skiing, water skiing, scuba diving and winter sports. Many insurers don't provide this level of cover on standard policies.
4. Medical and legal expenses
Make sure your policy offers an adequate level of medical and legal cover. Medical and legal bills overseas, especially in the USA and Canada, can escalate out of control.
A standard insurance policy will provide up to £1 million for medical aid in Europe, and £2 million in the US and Canada.
If you are travelling within the EU, get an E111 form from your local Post Office before you leave. This will entitle you to some free treatment in Europe but it shouldn't be used as a replacement for travel insurance.
Read more about E111 forms here
Your travel insurance should also have personal liability cover of at least £1 million to cover you for damage to other people or property.
5. Driving holidays abroad
If you’re planning to take a driving holiday abroad, check your car insurance will cover you should you have an accident or breakdown abroad.
If your car insurance doesn't include European cover, you should be able to extend your policy for your holiday. Always inform your insurer that you will be taking your car abroad.

6. Existing medical conditions
If you have a medical history it is important that you are honest and tell the insurer before you take out a policy. You may be have to pay extra to include cover for your condition in the policy.
If you fail to inform your insurer of an existing condition and fall ill while on holiday, your policy may become invalid.
7. Cancellation and curtailment
Cancellation is one of the most popular reasons people claim on their travel insurance. Cover begins from the day you take out the policy, so plan ahead and start a policy a few weeks before you depart.
8. Luggage and baggage cover
All travel insurance policies should include luggage cover of some sort. Check that the limit on your policy is enough to cover the value of all your possessions should your luggage be lost or stolen.
Don't let a small accident turn your holiday into a nightmare. Take the time to find an appropriate tavel insurance policy before you set off on holidays.