Your suitcase is ready to be packed and you can’t wait to go. What else is needed? Oh yes, travel insurance! The section below outlines the main types of policies available:

Single trip (holiday insurance)
As the name suggests, this type of travel insurance can cover a specific trip such as a two week summer holiday. Policy details may differ between providers but generally can include medical expenses, cancellation and lost baggage cover.

Annual cover (multi-trip insurance)
Plan to travel several times a year? Also known as multi-trip insurance, an annual policy can cover a number of different trips. Policies may limit cover to a specific number of days per individual trip; travellers can read policy documents to find out.

Winter sports
Those thinking of hitting the slopes may want to think about considering winter sports cover. Alongside medical cover, some winter sports insurance can also cover personal or hired equipment against loss, theft or damage. Winter sports cover could help offer financial protection against a range of eventualities – even a lack of snow!

Backpackers (long stay travel insurance)
Whether it’s a few months extended holiday or a gap year adventure, this type of travel insurance is designed for long trips away. Backpackers insurance can cover a variety of adventure sports such as scuba diving and white water rafting.

Medical Expenses
This is a common feature of most travel insurance policies. For those suffering an illness or accident while away from home, medical expenses cover can help ease the financial burden of aspects such as emergency medical treatment, surgery, or accommodation if the condition prevents a return home.

Cancellation
Many holidays are cancelled every year due to unforeseen circumstances. Without sufficient travel insurance, travellers can end up paying cancellation charges. Cancellation cover is a feature of most travel insurance policies, with the limit and excess varying between providers.