Travel Insurance

There are two main types of travel insurance policies:

Annual multi-trip cover

For a one off premium you can be insured for all trips during a year, with a set maximum duration per trip of usually between 31 and 60 days.

Winter sports may be included, usually for a limited number of days, though do check it covers equipment and any more unusual sporting pursuits.

Single trip cover

This has been given a bad name due to over-expensive travel agents’ policies. Actually, it can be good value; premiums start from as little as £5.00.

The rough rule of thumb for this is:

If you go away more than two times a year, including weekend breaks, you're better off with an annual policy.

What to cover

£2,000,000 for medical expenses should be adequate.

Personal liability cover, which pays out if you damage other people or their property should be £1 million; and also ensure there’s cover for cancellations and curtailments, luggage and possessions possibly including lost cash, legal expenses and delay.

Annual Policy Picking

Family insurance is cheaper. Combined insurance for a couple or family usually costs less as the risks increase more with ‘each trip’ than 'each person'.

Europe-only cover is cheaper. If you’re unlikely to venture further a field, pick European only cover.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has replaced the old E111 card and entitles the holder to free or discounted medical treatment in any EU country plus Switzerland.

It isn’t a substitute for travel insurance, as medical cover can be very limited and it won’t cover repatriation costs or lost money, baggage or cancellation. However it’s a useful safety net and travel insurers often request it; meaning you mightn't need to pay an excess when claiming.