Travel insurance provides cover for a range of holiday mishaps. These can include:

• lost and stolen luggage
• medical cover
• personal liability
• legal expenses
• cancellation or curtailment of holiday
• death or injury.

Medical cover is especially important. The UK has reciprocal agreements with a number of countries, which would allow you to receive that country’s equivalent of NHS care (though you must remember to take a copy of form E111 along with you which is available from your local Post Office). You should be aware that these agreements do not normally cover rescue costs should you fall ill whilst away from the main centres of population, nor will they provide cover for your repatriation to the UK.

The difference between policies mainly comes down to the benefits offered. It is generally true to say that the higher the premium level the more comprehensive the cover is likely to be. However, there can be exceptions and you should consider the details of the policy to ensure you are purchasing the level and type of Insurance cover you require.

It is important to note that most standard travel insurance policies exclude ‘hazardous pursuits’ and that skiing falls into this category. For a skiing holiday you therefore need to look for a specific policy. Such policies will cover loss of ski passes, loss of ski equipment and also offer financial cover for the cost of a mountain rescue.

If you are holidaying in the UK, you will probably need to look for a simple cancellation insurance policy. If you are taking a pet with you, you may want to think about a pet insurance policy, especially one that covers financial loss through damage caused by a pet.

Most policies require that you accept an initial excess (i.e. you will have to pay the first portion of any claim) and a restriction on the amount you can claim in the case of loss or damage to a single item.

Decide the level of cover you need, taking into account your personal circumstances and what type of travel you are undertaking. If you are intending to take a holiday well away from tourist resorts, you should think about taking specialist advice from an insurer who can also offer a 24 hour English-speaking help line.

Check the details of the policy, especially the exclusions. If you are taking an expensive item of luggage or equipment with you, will the single item limit be sufficient? It may be cheaper to arrange separate insurance for that particular item. Check your house contents policy to see what cover it offers already for items outside the home.

If you are travelling on business, check what cover your employer is offering. Many employers arrange for insurance cover equivalent to the level of a standard travel insurance policy whilst also being responsible for insuring any of their own equipment such as laptop computers, which you need to take with you. If your employer does not provide any cover you should ensure you have a policy of your own that provides the appropriate cover.

You can buy policies that cover a single holiday, or cover for many trips over a year long period. The latter is most useful if you are a frequent traveller. If you are travelling on business, check that your insurance policy covers these trips. Normally you are required to stay overnight in pre-booked accommodation. Under a year-long policy, you can usually travel as often as you like, but an individual stay outside the UK should not last longer than 90 days.

Specialist insurers now offer tailored insurance that provides protection for those travellers that are planning complex journeys, particularly those away from the normal tourist resorts. If you are looking for such policies you should contact us for assistance.

If you are travelling outside the UK with your own car or other motor vehicle it is important to check what cover your motor insurance offers regarding passengers or belongings.