Buying travel insurance can be simple, if you know what to do. When you purchase your travel insurance remember that the policy wording can be very involved and specific and underwriters have the right to refuse payment if your policy does not cover even a single aspect of your insurance claim. You need to know to what extent you are covered and rest assured that your policy wording can also be your best friend in times of doubt. Examples of mistakes that might render you unworthy of a claim include having a different name on your travel documents to those on your passport (for example if you still have your passport in your maiden name and have booked your flight in your married name); not getting a police report at the scene of a crime; injury incurred while under the influence of alcohol and leaving baggage unattended in a case of theft.

When you purchase your travel insurance remember that the policy wording can be very involved and specific and underwriters have the right to refuse payment if your policy does not cover even a single aspect of your insurance claim. You need to know to what extent you are covered and rest assured that your policy wording can also be your best friend in times of doubt. Examples of mistakes that might render you unworthy of a claim include having a different name on your travel documents to those on your passport (eg. if you still have your passport in your maiden name and have booked your flight in your married name); not getting a police report to back up your claim; injury incurred while under the influence of alcohol and leaving baggage unattended in a case of theft.

More important than getting your travel insurance is making sure that you purchase a suitable policy and you understand exactly what is and is not covered in your policy. Do not hesitate to voice any queries to your travel insurance broker and always read your policy wording carefully before purchasing your travel insurance. You will find many reviews online written by holiday makers who have lost money because they either didn't have travel insurance or they neglected to familiarise themselves with the fine print on their policy meaning they thought they were covered in certain situations when in fact they were not.

Aside from loss and damage, a very important factor of your travel insurance to remember is the medical insurance that comes with it. Without adequate medical travel insurance you will be liable to pay for any doctor's appointments you have whilst on holiday and in some countries this alone can end up costing hundreds of dollars. If you happen to need further medical care or, as in extreme cases, need repatriation, you are then looking at fronting thousands of dollars if you don't have travel insurance.

Travel insurance is not a luxury but a necessity and if you can't afford it then you can't afford to travel. The travel insurance market is highly competitive and the costs are regularly reviewed and improved. What has always been seen as a burden or unnecessary expense can now be viewed in a pleasant light for the average traveler and holiday maker. The potential risks encountered when travelling or leaving home for a length of time with only a few bags to hold your previous belongings can be daunting especially when you are surrounded by strangers who do not speak your language!