A lot of time and money goes into preparing and planning a trip. They are your chance to escape and explore for a time. However, it is worth taking the opportunity to choose the right travel insurance. Getting an injury abroad is the last thing you expect and if you aren’t covered it can turn your dream holiday into a terrible nightmare. Here’s what to look for.

Back to basics

With hospital fees literally costing tens of thousands of pounds, travel insurance should be thought of in the same breath as passport and tickets. They vary greatly though and that means that understanding if you’re getting value for money can be difficult. What should a standard policy cover then?

Delays

There’s little more annoying at the start or end of a holiday than a big delay, and you shouldn’t have to accept it. Compensation for any delay more than 12 hours should be a standard feature. Just make sure you have receipts and confirmation in writing in the event of a delay.

Cancellation and curtailment

If there is good reason to cancel or cut short your holiday then you should be entitled to compensation with a decent policy. Things like a bereavement or illness are typical reasons but it could also be losing your job. Always check the small print and look for a £3,000 limit.

Medical cover

Arguably the most important part of a travel insurance policy, you should be looking for protection of up to £5 million for worldwide travel with £2 million within Europe. It sounds a lot but in the worst case scenario you could end up needing an air ambulance or help getting home which is incredibly expensive. Always be honest with medical conditions as well because making a holiday claim for something you withheld information for is impossible.

Baggage and belongings

Often bought with a £1,500 limit for stolen, damaged or lost possessions, this is crucial for any trip. Valuable items or stolen cash usually have a £500 limit.

Personal liability

It is typically recommended to find personal liability cover of up to £1 million. Rarely used on an insurance policy, it is crucial if you need legal bills for injuring someone or damaging property. Often take out with adventure holidays like skiing.

Extras

These are the standard things to look for but be honest with where you’re going, what you’re doing and what could happen. Consider cover for spectacles if you wear glasses and emergency 24-hour assistance particularly if you’re in a different time zone. Always, always read the small print.

Value for money

Comparison websites are across the internet these days and this helps for you to get the best deal. This only works if you know all your requirements though. While it might be tempting to drop something for a cheaper deal, you don’t want to regret it down the line. Checking the limits is a good way of deciding while you often get better deals for family travel and annual insurance.