Looking for travel insurance can often be a somewhat daunting business if you're unclear about the crucial terminology that surrounds the industry and is thrust in your direction by the many companies that all want to earn your very valuable custom. It really is vital that you understand what all the key terms mean to ensure that you're not deceived and made to buy an insurance policy which neglects to offer you the cover to suit your individual needs. Here you will find a glossary of travel insurance terminology which should be of assistance in turning you into a travel insurance genius, and will hopefully furnish you with the confidence you'll need to come to grips with the process.

ANNUAL COVER. Annual cover pretty much does what it says on the tin: you'll pay a one time price which then provides you with cover for all the travelling you intend to do during one year. The other option you'll be presented with is Single Trip insurance, which could save you some money if you're only planning to take one trip this year.

CLAIMS. A claim is simply when you seek compensation from your policy provider for anything covered by your chosen policy. For example, if you are on holiday and someone steals your bag containing valuables, money and your passport, you could then make a claim with your insurance provider to cover the loss you have incurred.

EXCESS. An excess is the amount that you must pay towards each claim you make. These will vary depending on the company you go with, so be sure to read the small print. It's worth checking how much your excesses are before making a claim, to ensure that it's really worth it.

EXCLUSIONS. Each policy will have certain things that are excluded from your cover. Common exclusions can be things like claims arising from medical conditions that you haven't declared, or claims for medical expenses that arose from the policyholder not taking reasonable precautions to prevent injury.

LEGAL EXPENSES. If you happen to find yourself requiring legal aid regarding your travel insurance, or in case you sustain any kind of legal expenses whilst abroad, most insurance companies offer a fixed amount to cover legal expenses within their policy.

POLICYHOLDER. A policyholder is a person or organisation that has taken out a travel insurance policy with an insurance company. Consider what kind of policyholder you are before choosing your cover, as many people are actually entitled to discounts in travel insurance rates, for example couple rates, family rates, child rates and special rates for the elderly.

WINTER SPORTS COVER. Just as there are different types of holidays, there are also different types of travel insurance to cover every traveller for their individual needs. One example is winter sports cover, which is provided by most companies for those who intend to take a skiing or snowboarding holiday, for example. This can be very helpful in eliminating the need for unnecessary cover: if you're planning a winter sports holiday, this will cover you for any additional risks, whilst travellers planning family holidays by the beach can pick a different policy to avoid the extras.