Sun, Sea, Sand - And Don't Forget the Travel Insurance!

Going on holiday is not the work of a moment; there is so much to do from the planning, booking the flights, checking the passports are all up to date, and getting the right vaccinations done for all the family. Then there's the shopping: you might need to buy new clothes, luggage and equipment, and much more besides.

Organising a holiday is best done as a planned and carefully executed exercise, and it may need military levels of planning if you are taking the family! There are some things, however, that are often put in the background. These are the unexciting but necessary factors, and insurance is high among them.

Why is holiday insurance so important? The cost of medical treatments abroad can be extortionate, for a start. You want to be able to pay for any medical treatment you need without being left out of pocket, and having a good medical insurance policy is one way of making sure. Broken bones may mean you need to be flown home, and this should also be covered in your insurance policy.

Then there's theft, a common problem in some countries: you need to be adequately covered for the theft of both belongings and money - the latter being particularly attractive to thieves - and you should check the small print of any insurance policy to make sure you have a decent deal.

You may find that the airline loses your baggage, or you may lose important items yourself; this is another area where insurance offers excellent peace of mind. It is vital that you are insured for losses, as you never know what might happen. You will also want to check for cancellation or delay policies, as not all insurance policies automatically include these.

If you are going on a specialist holiday - say a skiing trip or a journey to lesser known parts of the world - you may need a specialist insurance company. They will provide specialised policies covering a wide range of individual options. It pays to speak to an expert when discussing your specific holiday insurance needs.

Whether you are heading for the sun, the sea or the sand you need to make sure that insurance covers you in every possible way. All too often people overlook this vital aspect of the holiday and simply take on a basic package. Talk to experts and make sure you get the best deal.