If you are going on holiday or taking a gap year its worth having a good travel insurance policy.

Be wary of the travel insurance offered by travel agents or brokers – it is often the most overinflated with the highest prices. The best way to find good insurance is to search and research what you need via the comparison websites – use all three for the best quote:

Both travelinsuranceweb.com and insureandgo.com have guarantees for the quotes they give; find a cheaper quote with the same or better cover and you will get the original policy for free.

If you’re going to Europe get a free European Health Insurance Card, which enables you to get (free or very low cost) basic medical care within the EU.

If you are covered by your parents policy stick with it – family insurance is generally cheaper than individuals as the risk is not calculated per person but per trip.

There are some relatively unknown insurance providers who offer good alternatives for travellers in specific areas. Consider the following:

Climate Sure - Eco Friendly Insurance company

Flexi Cover^ - Annual Multi-trip insurance

OUL Direct - Single & Annual trip cover includes (winter sports is standard)

Travelplan direct insurance - Basic + Comprehensive backpacker insurance

Policy Checklist

There are three areas where you should be insured – (1) illness and injury, (2) accident, and (3) theft of money, luggage and documents (ie: passport).

Things to consider

Are you covered the whole time?

Does your insurance include medical treatment, emergency hospitalisation costs and the cost of sending you home?

Does it cover you for activities and sports or do you need to take out an extra package?

Do you have protection for personal liability in terms of injury to yourself, to others and to property?

Is there a 24 hour personal assistance emergency helpline number?

Will you be covered if you have to cancel your trip?

Do you have personal possessions cover, personal accident cover and legal expense protection?

Check the small print – read the terms and conditions, especially the rules related to alcohol and drugs

Do you have a pre-existing medical condition? Consider using a specialist insurer such as travelbility.co.uk and covermytravels.co.uk (a specialist travel comparison site)

Ensure that you take a copy of your insurance with you, and it may be worthwhile emailing a copy to yourself of the policy and the emergency contact numbers. Fco.gov.uk has more information and advice on what your insurance policy must contain to ensure you are adequately protected, as does gogapyear.com which is specifically aimed at gap year students.

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