Why should I get holiday insurance?

Travel insurance covers you for a wide range of problems or issues, from the inconvenient, like losing your camera, to the more serious and costly, like paying for emergency medical treatment in a foreign country.

You can take out single, couple or family cover and you can choose to cover a single trip, multi-trips or take out an annual policy that covers you for a year, no matter how many times you travel.

Luckily, travel insurance is widely available and can be cheap - depending on where you buy it. When you book your holiday your travel agent may try to sell you travel insurance, but policies bought from a high street store is generally the most expensive way to get covered. You are not obliged to take this cover and should not feel under pressure to buy from them.

That doesn't mean it's not important to arrange some cover, but you will find a wider range of competitive policies if you shop around.

Cover that is tailored to you

Read the policy document thoroughly to ensure that you are sufficiently covered for the things that you specifically need.

Check whether your baggage is insured and whether cancellation cover comes with your policy - which means you get your money back if you have to cancel your trip.

If you intend to do any sporting activities, such as cycling or skiing you will probably need to take out specific travel cover. And if you have any pre-existing medical conditions tell your insurer at the outset or you might find they won't pay out a claim