Sadly, there are hundreds of things which could go wrong when you're on your travels around the world. And ?away from home? is the last place you want to be when things start to go wrong. Unfamiliar surroundings can make a bad situation considerably worse, but having appropriate global travel insurance can really lighten the load.

?I never thought it would happen to me? is a phrase you hear a lot in my trade ? fortunately the types who say it to me are the types who took the smart decision to buy global travel insurance anyway. You can never be too sure, and for that reason here are 5 scenarios when your UK travel insurance company would swoop in to save the day wherever you are in the world:

You have to cancel your vacation for a death in the family

No one can accurately predict when a loved one will pass away, and with holidays booked months in advance, it's no wonder that the unexpected often occurs and a family is forced to cancel or delay their vacation plans. If you don't have travel insurance though, the losses will be firmly for you to soak up. With global travel insurance, the provider should reimburse you the costs involved so you can rebook at a more appropriate juncture.

Your daughter is hospitalized after a nasty fall abroad

A child playing in unfamiliar surroundings is often a recipe for trouble. If your daughter were to fall and break bones while on your holiday, a timely and expensive visit to the local hospital will be on the cards. While everyone would be happy to pay for their daughter's recovery, it is always easier if your UK travel insurance company is on hand to foot the bill ? leaving you with more cash to sightsee when your daughter is able.

Your holiday apartment is broken into and your valuables are stolen

There's no disguising the fact that affluent holiday makers are an obvious target for crime, and holiday apartments often contain rich pickings for burglars. If your possessions are stolen while you're out enjoying the sunshine then it can ruin a holiday ? fortunately, appropriate travel insurance can save the day by replacing or reimbursing you for the items stolen.

You injure a complete stranger by accident

Suppose you're minding your own business by your hotel's swimming pool, when you bump into someone, causing them to slip and break their arm. Without travel insurance, you could be held liable to pay damages including their hospital fees. With travel insurance, your personal liability cover will pay for their medical expenses.

Your business? future is in jeopardy after you fall ill

Picture the scene: You're representing the company on some urgent business abroad, and suddenly you fall terribly ill. The company's future is at stake! Fortunately, your travel insurance company can save the day by paying for an early return home for you, with a business associate taking your place. They'll pay the travel and accommodation expenses, to boot.

Sure, I understand that the majority of people have a wonderful time on their holidays and don't encounter any of these problems ? I mean they're not the kind of thing that happens to you everyday. But they do happen ? I've seen the claims to prove it! And those are just the stories from the people who have bought global travel insurance: I can't prove it, but I suspect the number of people who wish they had bought travel insurance for the peace of mind it offers must be a significant figure.