Image via Flickr user Moyan Brenn

Packing to go on holiday can be a bit of a slog, but the only items you essentially need are your passport (if you’re going overseas), money, travel documents – and your travel insurance.

1. Limits on trip duration

When selecting which travel insurance policy to go for, it’s important to check how many consecutive days abroad you’ll be covered for.

2. Destinations that might be excluded

Also check that your policy covers you for the destination you’re going to before you apply. It sounds obvious, but policies vary and if you don’t know what you’re looking for, they can be confusing.

3. Pre-existing conditions

It’s important that you are honest when it comes to any pre-existing medical conditions you have.

4. Action-packed holidays

Planning to take part in activities such as scuba diving, horse riding or bungee jumping on your holiday? Then you need to check that your travel insurance will cover you in the event you had an accident.

5. Limits on claims

Checking exactly how much you’ll be able to claim back in the event that you lost your wallet or had to cancel your holiday is also important.

6. How your belongings should be treated

Your insurer will expect you to take reasonable care of your belongings. If you’re found to be negligent, it could refuse to pay out.

7. How you should report a theft

Should you fall victim to theft, you’ll need to report it to the police as soon as possible.

8. If you miss a flight

We’ve all been there – stuck in traffic or caught up on a delayed train on the way to the airport, frantic with worry that we won’t catch the flight in time.

9. Alcohol and drugs policies

It’s easy to let your hair down when you’re on holiday, but most insurers won’t cover you if you’re involved in an accident when you’re under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.

10. Cancellations

Although you can buy your travel insurance policy on the day you are jetting off, it can pay to buy it at the same time as booking your holiday.

by Rachel Wait

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