Enjoying holidays is fun and that is something we all look forward to and the harsh reality is that much of it is not in our control, from minor flight delays to natural catastrophes. So, one has to make sure that the element of fun is not snatched away during the holidays, hence for all the disappointments, accidents etc. a suitable insurance cover comes in handy.

Holiday insurance or Travel Insurance is intended to cover the financial or other losses which are incurred while holidaying or traveling, either within your own country or in any other country.

Such travel insurance policies can be usually arranged at the time of travel, exactly to cover the duration of the trip or can be extended as the need demands.

Feel like packing a rucksack, heading off and seeing the world? Whether traveling alone, with family or friends, it’s worth buying a Holiday insurance policy before you go.

Never forget to read the whole of the Holiday Insurance Policy, before you travel and make sure you understand what is and is not covered.

WHAT IS COVERED?

The usual risks that are covered by this kind of Travel or Holiday Insurance Policies are:

• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Delayed departure
• Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)
• Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Legal assistance
• Personal liability and rental car damage excess

Some travel policies will also provide cover for additional costs, although these vary widely between providers.

And in addition, often separate insurance can be purchased for specific costs such as:

• high risk sports (e.g. skiing, scuba-diving)
• travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to war or natural disasters)
• pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?

All travel insurance policies have specific exclusions so it's common-sense to take the time to read the policy wording carefully before buying a policy.

A good rule of thumb is to remember that insurance is there for things that might go wrong and will not cover extreme risks such as:

1. Medical conditions that exist before you travel
you can still take out the insurance for other benefits but you should be aware that costs of treatments that you knew were likely or possible before you travel won't be covered.

2. Deliberately put your life in danger
Trekking across the arctic without proper warm clothing and the right travel gear, will not allow you to any kind of claim, in case you fall sick.

3. Involve alcohol or drugs
you probably won't get your claim paid if you involve yourself in a fight and get injured while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

4. HIV or STD's
if you contract STD's or HIV whiles you are away on a holiday, these risks are not covered.

Types of Holiday or Travel Insurance Covers • Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance
• Single Trip Holiday Insurance
• Ski Holiday Insurance
• Back Packer Holiday Insurance
• Water Sports Holiday Insurance
• Winter Sports Travel Insurance
• Diving Holiday Insurance
• Nomad’s Insurance Policy

There are hundreds of Insurance Companies around the world providing different kinds of Travel and Holiday Insurance policies, matching the needs of the traveler, and the traveler should look into all the ‘Terms and Conditions’ of the policy and also the ‘Eligibility Criteria’, before buying a Holiday Insurance Policy