This is the first in a series of three posts offering travel consumer tips for the summer holidays. It drives me crazy when I receive emails from consumers who has received a huge medical bill, or, have had items lost or stolen but didn’t take out travel insurance.

Travel insurance is inexpensive if you shop around for the right policy, so no excuses. The problem is that there are many companies offering insurance and different types of policies. I have often ranted on this blog that there needs to be more transparency when it comes to travel insurance.

Here are my tips for buying travel insurance:

Don’t focus on price

Most holidaymakers I suspect will go for the cheapest policies, but, look at the policy and make sure that it includes, at minimum, cover for medical expenses, personal liability, cancellation, baggage and cash. Look at the values, and ask yourself would this cover you.

Look at the type of holiday

Make sure that the type of holiday that you are going on matches the insurance policy. So, if you think that you might take part in any water sports, or skiing that you are covered for these activities, do not try to save a few pounds, it’s not worth it if something bad happens.

The travel insurance policy should include a list of activities you are covered for. It is advisable to check with the company if you cannot see any activities that you might participate in included in the list. I have seen policies that haven’t included cover for walking over hilly or rough terrain. So check the list.

Think about scheduled airline failure insurance

It has been a while since the last airline went bust, but, you can never be too sure. Purchasing insurance that includes airline failure means you are covered the airline goes bust and you have to find your way home. Recommended for people who book their own accommodation and flight.

Look at the different types of travel insurance

For those who travel once a year then single-trip policy would be fine, but, if you take a few short breaks and holidays through the year then you might save money by buying an annual or multi-trip policy. Then there’s insurance for backpackers, families etc.

A few months back I received an email from a consumer who had chosen a European travel policy for their trip to Hong Kong, rather than the worldwide policy. They had a number of items stolen but the insurance company would not pay out.

Be open about your health

Make sure you mention any pre-existing medical issues, or illnesses you have, because not disclosing them could result in your claim being rejected. I read a story a few years ago about an man went on a family holiday in Florida, and was hospitalised.

The insurance company didn’t pay out because he had not highlighted a pre-existing medical condition.

Read the small print and check out excesses

I cannot stress this enough. Read the small print. Most of the complaints that I have received from consumers has been because they haven’t read the policy in full, and when they have tried to claim, the insurance company has not paid out because of a disclaimer in the small print.

Have I missed anything? I am happy for travel insurance companies to jump in and add their own tips, but, please no advertising, and use your real name, not a SEO stuffed keyword. If consumers have any tips, that would be great too.

• Travel Insurance question on medical conditions
• European travel insurance doubles in price
• Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?
• Travel Agents Face Mis-selling Clampdown
• Travel insurance required despite E111

Please enter your email address to receive my free newsletter