Single trip (holiday insurance)
As the name suggests, this type of travel insurance covers you for a specific trip such as your 2 week summer holiday. Policy details can differ between providers but generally include medical expenses, cancellation and lost baggage cover.

Annual cover (multi-trip insurance)
If you plan to travel several times throughout the year it may be worth considering annual cover. Also known as multi-trip insurance, an annual policy can cover you for a number of different trips, and could prove a more cost effective option. Most policies will limit cover to a specific number of days per individual trip, so it’s a good idea to read any policy documents carefully. If you’re a frequent traveller, you could find annual cover the cheaper more convenient option.

Winter sports
If you’re thinking of hitting the slopes, it’s certainly worth considering winter sports cover. Holidays on the piste have become increasingly popular, but unfortunately they can also be the cause of many accidents - so adequate cover could be essential. Alongside medical cover, some winter sports insurance can also cover your 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 longer trips away (usually up to 12 or 18 months) If you’re planning to visit several different countries, make sure your policy extends to all the locations on your itinerary. Backpackers insurance can often cover you for a variety of adventure sports such as scuba diving and white water rafting. Check that the policy you have chosen includes cover for any adventurous activities that you intend to take part in.

Medical Expenses
This is a common and important feature of almost all travel insurance policies. Should you suffer an illness or accident while away from home, this cover can help ease the financial burden of your medical expenses. This could include: emergency medical treatment or surgery, accommodation if your condition prevents you returning home, travel for someone to come and stay with you or flying you back home.

The level of cover may differ between providers, as well as the level of excess you would have to pay in the event of a claim. It is therefore a good idea to check all the policy documents carefully and investigate what kind of healthcare is on offer at your destination.

Cancellation
It’s a sad fact that many holidays are cancelled every year due to unforeseen circumstances. Without sufficient travel insurance, you could end up paying cancellation charges, which in some cases could be the entire cost of your trip. Cancellation cover is a feature of most travel insurance policies, with the limit and excess varying between providers. If you are forced to terminate your trip due to illness or redundancy – this cover can help ensure you don’t suffer financially.