Travel insurance is vital if you are planning a holiday, but it can be a tricky field to navigate if you are unsure exactly what you need, as it can vary widely on the level of cover you will receive, and upon the cost of premiums. If you are going on a specific type of holiday such as skiing or white water rafting it is important to check that your travel insurance covers you for these sports. If you aren’t covered for the sport and your insurer doesn’t offer additional cover you will need to call a specialist travel insurance broker to find a company to cover you at the best possible price. When choosing travel insurance it is important to get several quotes and check the details of the policy carefully to make sure you are covered for the things you need.

Any travel insurance policy you buy (including the basic ones and student travel insurance) should cover you for certain events otherwise they are not worth having. Before you buy any travel insurance make sure you read the policy carefully and that you are covered should the following events occur.

Most importantly there is emergency medical cover including covering the cost of hospitalisation and repatriation, then there is 24 hour emergency assistance. Personal liability is another element to make sure you are covered for, as it covers you should you need to cut short or cancel your holiday. It is worth noting many insurance companies only cover you in this situation if it is you who is ill, or a close relative is ill or has died. Replacement of your personal possessions should they be lost or stolen is vital cover too – this includes luggage, money, travellers cheques or documentation. Finally you should make sure you are covered should your flight be cancelled or the holiday company ceases trading.