Tips on Buying Travel Insurance

Follow these tips to ensure that you get the right holiday insurance cover, at the best price:

• Shop around. The Internet will let you review many policies and products, and will help you find a good deal on a policy that meets your insurance needs.
• Avoid buying your insurance from your travel company; they rarely offer good value for money. Tour operators often make most profit from selling overpriced 'extras' such as travel insurance.
• Don't just compare the prices of holiday insurance products, also compare the benefits of the cover, the exclusions and other product features.
• If it's likely that you'll take more than one holiday a year abroad, then you will almost certain save money by buying an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy rather than a single travel insurance policy each time you go. These policies will also automatically cover any UK breaks.
• Understand the many different policies available. There are single-trip, annual, backpacker, worldwide, ski and winter sports, and other specialty travel insurance policies.
• You may be able to lower your travel insurance premiums by purchasing joint cover if you are travelling as a couple.
• Always check your policy carefully to make sure that it will provide you with adequate cover for your needs.
• Does it cover any hazardous activities you want to try? Do not expect a standard travel insurance to cover you for extreme or dangerous sports on your trip. You need to arrange suitable protection. Likewise, if you are not planning to undertake dangerous sports then don't buy cover for them, as you are paying for something that you don't need.
• What excess will you have to pay? Most policies require you to pay an excess (between £50-200), so make sure it's not more than the value of your luggage.
• How much will you be reimbursed? Many policies will limit the amount of money paid to you in case of loss or damage.
• What is the maximum you can be insured for a single item? Check that you are covered for your valuables, such as jewellery and cameras.
• Make sure you have the international helpline number for your travel insurance company, along with a copy of your policy, with you all the time. Also leave a copy with friends or family at home.