Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is absolutely essential, but needn't be expensive. Here's some tips to help you get the best cover for your party.

Take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday. If you have to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as a bereavement, illness or injury, most policies will cover this.

Remember that even after the Brexit vote we're still part of the EU at the moment, so make sure everyone in the party has a valid EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card - replaces the old E111). These entitle the holder to medical treatment in state-run hospitals under the same terms as a local, so usually for free. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs such as mountain rescue, or being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy.

Some insurers now insist you hold an EHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one - Apply for your free EHIC here.

NB Don't use an unofficial website which often charge for this free card. The link we've provided above goes straight to the official NHS EHIC site - it's free!

If you're planning adventurous activity such as Scuba Diving, windsurfing etc, make sure it's covered in the policy.

Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance is often a much more cost effective solution than single trip policies.

If you pay a monthly fee for your bank account, check to see if travel insurance is provided. Some UK banks provide travel insurance as part of the bank account. If you do have this cover, read the policy to check it's adequate for your needs and everyone travelling is included.

Here's a selection of links and tools to help you find the right travel insurance for your needs.