Holidaymakers must ensure they are properly covered when buying travel insurance this summer, RIAS has urged.

The over 50s specialist insurer has published a list of pointers for those purchasing travel insurance to help them make sure their insurance fits their requirements. The list includes points such as discussing any pre-existing medical conditions with the insurer, checking cancellation terms and conditions, and choosing a company with English-language call centres in your country of travel.

RIAS also advised holidaymakers to check their own household insurance to see if personal belongings are covered and to go for a policy that provides both in and out patient cover.

Janet Connor, managing director of RIAS, said: “When buying insurance consumers need to think of a policy as something they need to tailor, rather than an off-the-shelf product. It is essential to be familiar with the terms of the policy in order to know exactly what you are paying for and what cover you are getting. This is particularly the case with travel for the over 50s as there is often the important consideration of pre-existing medical conditions.”