Travel insurance: Make sure you’re covered

According to the latest research, nearly one in ten Brits have already booked next years summer holiday. But, anyone forgetting to book their travel insurance at the same time could be at risk of losing out if things go wrong. Going without could leave travellers at risk of losing out if something happens, either whilst abroad, or beforehand.

So what is travel insurance and what does it cover? Here’s everything you need to know before booking:

The different types of travel insurance

The type of insurance and level of cover you need will depend on the type of trip, where you’re going, and who you’re going with. For example, you will need to choose whether you need European cover or worldwide cover, as well as whether the country you’re travelling to is included in the policy.

If you’re travelling as a family of couple, you have the option to buy one policy, which can work out cheaper. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy individually. Additionally, if you are planning to take a number of trips in one year, you can choose to buy annual cover; alternatively, you can choose to take out a single-trip policy.

When to buy

Whilst it might seem a it premature, it’s recommended that you buy travel insurance at the same time as booking your holiday. This will cover you if there are any cancellations or other problems. If you haven’t taken out insurance, you could be left out of pocket or unable to re-book. Booking early also gives you more time to find the best possible deal.

What does it cover?

The right travel insurance policy should cover you for any problems that occur, either leading up to your trip, while you’re travelling, and throughout your holiday. It should include emergency medical cover, cancellation and missed departure cover, money and personal belongings cover, and personal liability cover. Additional cover, and also different levels of cover, can depend on each policy, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions before booking.