Market surveys show that many people don't take out travel insurance. They believe that their credit card accident cover, home insurance, or private health cover is sufficient. However, it is unlikely that these will give adequate cover. You should be aware that the costs of an emergency abroad are high; a medical evacuation to the United States, for example, will cost you tens of thousands of pounds, so getting proper insurance is vital. 

Shop around to find a good price and the right product rather than opting to travel without cover. Bear in mind that a cheaper policy may have less cover. If you make several trips each year, consider taking out annual multi-trip insurance to save time, money and effort.

As the case studies opposite show, you should know what your policy covers and ensure that the cover is adequate. If in doubt ask your insurer. Your policy should cover you for the following:

• The whole time that you are away.
• Any activities and sports you might do. Some activities, such as jet skiing, are excluded from many policies. If requested, many insurers will extend cover, otherwise shop around for a specialist policy.
• Medical and Health, including 24 hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal Liability.
• Cancellation and Curtailment.
• Possessions.
• Covers Pre-existing medical conditions

Your policy may also cover:

• Personal Accident.
• You may also want to check if your policy covers you for legal expenses to help you pursue compensation or damages following personal injury whilst abroad. This could be of particular use if there is no legal aid system in place in the country to which you are travelling.
• Some travel insurance policies cover you if your airline goes bust before you travel or whilst you are abroad. If you have no other form of financial protection, you may want to ensure you buy a policy that includes this cover.
• Frequent flyer miles
• Cancellation due to terrorist attacks
• Partial refund if return home early from trip

Check the conditions and exclusions. If you are in any doubt, contact your insurer to find out exactly what cover you have.

• Most policies will not cover drink-related incidents.
• Most policies do not cover drug-related incidents.
• You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.

Declare anything that you think might affect the cover, such as current or past medical conditions.

When you travel.

• Make sure you take your policy and the 24 hour emergency phone number with you.
• Make sure you know what to do in the event of a problem.
• Some insurance companies insist that you call their assistance company as soon as possible after a problem arises.
• If anything does happen make sure you keep as much paperwork as possible - tickets, receipts, medical bills, police reports etc - to help prove that what you're claiming for actually happened. 

http://www.fco.gov.u

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