Ensure that you buy from a good quality company. Find out more

Consider if it would be better to buy annual insurance than single trip

Cover should include:

Medical and legal expenses

Cancellation/flight delays/missed departures

Personal accident /repatriation by air ambulance/other

Personal liability

Personal belongings/loss/damage

Check cover for jewelers/valuables/know policy rules---hotel safes etc

Check exclusions for hazardous sports/skiing/white water rafting/bungy jumping etc

Check exclusions ( eg spectacles) and consider insuring elsewhere

Disclose pre-existing medical conditions, even children’s, e.g. asthma

Check cover is valid if you overstay due to cancellation of transport/illness

Check discounts for cross cover (valuables) with household insurance

Take form E-111 with you (Europe).

Be very cautious of ‘free’ insurance offered by credit cards. Get printout of policy

Be very cautious of ‘free’ insurance offered by tour operator. Get printout of policy

Look at our Health Abroad checklist

Motoring abroad/car hire Check out Motoring Abroad checklist

Note the emergency help line of your insurer and keep it handy at all times