1. Declare all pre-existing medical conditions

This is critical. We know that regardless of age or medical condition, consumers want to get the cover that best suits their needs and delivers the best value for money.

But it is essential that any and every pre-existing medical condition is declared through the insurance provider’s medical screening process.

A claim may be challenged if there are found to be any anomalies in what was/wasn’t declared. Common conditions that travelers omit to declare include: asthma, high cholesterol and low blood pressure. The mantra should be: declare everything and if you’re unsure always speak to your insurance provider

2. Tell your insurer where you’re going. Even if it’s just for a day

Different countries have different risk profiles for insurance purposes and countries may be rated as higher risk even if they are right next door to each other. Portugal, for example, is classified a lower risk than Spain and so a day trip to Spain while being insured for a Portuguese holiday would not be covered.

Some trips include a stopover either en route to or returning from a destination.  While some travel insurance policies do cover stopovers, it is important to check you are covered for all the countries you will be staying in and whether any time limits apply.

3. Single trip versus annual cover? Understand what cancellation cover you’re entitled to

Single trip cancellation cover starts from the day you take out insurance, which can be up to a full year before you go, so it is worth booking well in advance of your holiday.

A single trip policy will of course cost less than a like-for-like annual policy if only taking one trip during the year, whereas annual policies are generally better value if you are planning on taking a number of trips during the course of a year, but it’s also important to consider what cancellation cover suits your needs.