Holiday Insurance

Many people deeply regret not taking out travel insurance. They think their credit card accident cover, home insurance, or private health cover is sufficient.

An emergency abroad can be extremely expensive. If you need to be returned to the UK it could cost you thousands of pounds, unless you are adequately insured, as an example FirstAssist Services Ltd report that it would cost around £12-£16,000 for an air ambulance from the Canary Islands.

Your travel insurance policy should cover:

* Medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad.
* 24 hour emergency service and assistance.
* Personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property.
* Lost and stolen possessions cover.
* Cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover.
* Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as jet skiing.

The policy should cover the whole time that you’re away.

Don't forget that you should also carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Although it isn't an alternative to travel insurance it gives the holder rights to healthcare that becomes necessary during a temporary visit to EEA (European Economic Area) countries or Switzerland. You can find more details out on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website by clicking here.

We also recommend the following travel insurance companies.