Travel Insurance

European Health Insurance Card (old E111) for provides for free medical cover - but you must get it before you go. It does not pay for ambulances.

It may be cheaper to upgrade your home insurance.

Take out insurance immediately after you book (in case of cancellation due to illness or a death or curtailment).

Make sure your existing policy covers the full length of any forthcoming journeys.

If you travel more than once a year look into annual policies - buying a single trip policy is expensive.

Existing conditions - Never leave anything to chance, declare everything.

Hazardous activities / sports - think about what you may do when on holiday and ensure your insurance covers it.

Expensive items - Jewellery, cameras, videos. Check if these are best covered under you household policy (ring them up) and if you need to declare them when buying travel insurance (named items).

Make a note of your insurance policy number and insurers telephone number.

Keep all receipts in a safe place.

Always report stolen items to the local Police immediately.

Always read carefully your policy terms and conditions before making a claim. Under the ABI Code of Practice, you are entitled to a full refund within 14 days of purchase if the terms and conditions do not suit your requirements.

Shop around - never accept insurance offered when buying a fare or holiday - its usually much more expensive.

Suggestions
Medical £2 million, (£5 if USA). Accidental Expense - £1,500. Legal expenses £25,000. Personal liability £2 million. Watch out for baggage cover & excesses, "hazardous" activities like bungy jumping & jet skiing (even horse riding). Make sure children (including those at university) are covered, as well as unaccompanied children. If you travel as part of your job make sure you are covered.

TIP - sort out your travel insurance before booking your holiday - it may not be covered otherwise (its cheaper too!).

Remember you are not have to buy from the travel agent where you booked your holiday. Always shop around before visiting your travel agent, as some agents will not sell you a holiday if you do not have travel insurance.
Accommodation - what costs are included?
Annual Insurance - what is the maximum trip duration/ How many day trips can you make?
Assistance services - what is included?
Cancellation / Curtailment - Limits (Does it cover the full cost of your trip?), possibilities. For example does it only cover cancellations by the airline? (there are many other reasons why you may wish to cancel your holiday).
Car hire - included and can you take the car back to the U.K.?
Car or driver - does the insurance cover the car or the driver? If you are sharing the driving you may find the car option cheaper.
Children - at what age do your children need separate cover?
Claims Charter - does the company have one?
Competitive - many travel agents bump up their prices horrendously - make a point of asking if their charges are comparable with other specialist insurance companies.
Daytrips - are they covered?
Excesses - check levels as well as specific excesses applying.
Getting home - does the policy cover this, and are all your party covered?
Ill driver - if the only driver is ill, does the insurance cover a chauffeur?
Legal expenses - £25,000 recommended, but many only offer £10,000. Are you covered? Does it include a bail bond? Does it included cover if you want to take your holiday company to Court for misrepresentation?
Limits - what are the limits for car hire, overnight accommodation, overall costs, cost of transportation, legal expenses etc.
Limits 2 - how many days can you spend skiing/ in one country / at a time etc.?
Luggage lost or delayed - if your luggage is delayed does the policy cover the cost of replacements? For how much?
Medical Expenses Cover - £5 million is recommended, but many only offer £1 million.
Missed departure - how much cover?
Money and Documents - does the insurance cover these as well?
No Claims bonus - does it cover protection of your no claims bonus.
Older drivers - are there any restrictions or rebates for older drivers?
Partners - Does the policy include partners? (if named). What is the position with regard to same sex partners?
Period - for how long are you covered whilst on the European mainland, how many trips?
Personal accident and liability - How much?
Regular service - are there any discounts for regular serviced cars?
Repatriation - are all passengers included?
Roadside repairs - are they included?
Spare parts - is the cost covered by the insurance? Does the insurance cover include getting them to you?
Skiing - For winter sports holidays, check that the policy covers off-piste skiing, snowboarding, ski pack and ski equipment ( ski insurance tips)
The car - is the cost of getting it home covered in full? Are there any restrictions?
Travelling alone - if it is a family policy can the named individuals travel alone?
Valuable Items - these are often excluded from cover as the insurer assumes you would not take a valuable item of jewellery or camera to a beach. Check.

Questions to ask when deciding which ski insurance to buy.

Tips and suggestions when buying ski insurance.

Report the loss immediately
Airport Lost Luggage - report the loss before you leave the baggage hall. Ask for and fill in a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
Keep your baggage check.
Get a letter from the airline confirming your loss.
Check your household contents policy - you may have a better chance of claiming on this.
Before you claim check the position regarding loss of no claims bonuses.
If you baggage is stolen (as opposed to lost in transit) report the loss to the local Police Station.
Argue your claim - insurance companies are "notorious for trying it on".

Links about insurance - www.find.co.uk/insurance

Recommended by Holiday Which? Atlas Direct - 0800 013 1213, Bradford & Bingley Building Society - 01707 275 371, Churchill - Churchill, Direct Travel Insurance - 01903 812 345, Options - 0870 848 0870, World Cover Direct - 01892 833 338.