Cheap Travel Insurance -Travel & Ski insurance quotes for single or annual multi trip

• Annual or single trip?
  If you go abroad twice a year or more, you may be better off with an annual travel policy, but again check how the cover offered and the price you pay compares to paying each time for a single trip policy.
  
  
• What to look for in a policy
  The Consumers Association recommends that travel policies meet at least the following criteria:
  
  • up to £2m worth of medical treatment
    
  • up to £1m cover for personal liability
    
  • a 24-hour emergency helpline
    
  • membership of the financial ombudsman service
    
  • £3,000 to £5,000 cancellation or curtailment cover
    
  • up to £1,500 baggage and belongings cover
    
  • up to £500 for lost or stolen money.
    
    It also points out that other add-ons which sound good might not be all they're cracked up to be. For example compensation for delayed departure might only offer you a measly £20 - barely enough to cover the cost of your lunch in certain airports.
    
    

• Excess charges
  Most polices include an excess charge, which you have to pay upfront as part of your claim. These can often be quite steep and sometimes apply to each section of the policy and not just the first claim so look around for the best deal.
  
  

• Cancellation cover
  
  • Always check what reasons for cancellation are covered in your policy.
    
  • Situations such as the death of a family member, an illness in the party, redundancy etc are usually covered. Make sure to check all these and especially the definitions of what is considered a 'family member'.
    
  • When purchasing annual travel insurance consider taking the annual insurance policy out from the date you book the holiday. This will help to cover you incase the trip needs to be cancelled; some insurers may not pay out if the annual insurance policy start date is the date you are due to travel.
    
    
  • If you lose or have anything stolen whilst on holiday, make sure that you obtain a report from the police - this is a condition of many policies and claims are often not covered if a report has not been obtained, especially for valuables and cash.

For more information about the benefits of travel insurance click here

• Provides some financial support cancelling or cutting short your trip for specific reasons outside your control, for example, the unexpected illness of you, a close family member or a member of your travelling party.
• Medical emergency and/or repatriation expenses if you are ill or injured. Some insurance companies will help around the clock helpline to arrange for help if you have a serious problem.
• Personal liability - if someone is injured or his or her property is damaged by you or something belonging to you, he or she could make a claim against you.
• Financial support due to missed transport or delayed departure for reasons outside your control.
• The replacement cost of your personal possessions, including money and documents. Your policy will specify limits.
• Compensation if you suffer permanent disability or death whilst on holiday.