It's summer holiday time, and while most people enjoy trouble-free trips abroad it's best to be properly protected in case things go decidedly tits up.

By Nick Bradshaw

Travel insurance is one of those annoying extra costs that you'd prefer to do without and that you pay for but probably never use.

But if you do need help while abroad, such as if you get sick or if your belongings are stolen, you'll be glad you paid a few quid to get covered.

Just make sure that you are properly covered: you don't want to be faced with a massive hospital bill, only to find out that there's a clause in your insurance policy that means you're going to have to shell out a good chunk of your own cash before the policy kicks in.

After receiving more than 300 complaints about travel insurance companies last year, the National Consumer Agency have come up with a list of recommendations that will make sure that the only worries Irish travellers will face on holiday are how to cope with a fierce hangover and where to go to get the next drink.

Check your existing insurance policies

If you're lucky you might already be covered by existing policies you may have, and nobody wants to pay for the same thing twice.

For example you may already have some cover on your health insurance, or your home insurance policy may cover loss of belongings away from home, so you may just need additional top-up cover.

But be careful: if you had travel insurance as a benefit with another policy, and you cancelled the main policy, your travel insurance may have ceased. So always check with your provider to see if you are still covered.

Disclose any pre-existing medical condition

If you don't let on that there's a pre-existing condition there, you may find that your travel insurance won't be worth the paper it's written on. Don't give the insurance companies an opportunity to not pay out - especially when it comes to costly overseas treatment. And overseas treatment is always costly, often running into the thousands or even the tens of thousands of Euro.

If there might be an issue, confirm their policy will cover any emergency treatment you might need abroad.

Make sure your policy provides the cover you need

Shop around for value for money and don’t base your decision on price alone. You should make comparisons based on the level of cover. If you are going abroad a number of times in one year check if a multi-trip (or annual) policy would provide better value than taking out individual travel insurance for each trip.

Always read the terms and conditions to see exactly what is covered, excluded and any excess that you may have to pay if you make a claim. For example, some policies may not cover expensive mobile phones, lost or delayed baggage, cancelled flights or missed connections.

If you are going diving or planning an adventure sport holiday, you need to choose carefully, as some insurers will not cover you for medical costs if you are hurt while taking part in what they see as more risky activities.

Pack at least one copy of your travel insurance policy

Pack a copy of your insurance policy. If something goes wrong, your insurance details will let you know the steps you need to take next. The  policy should contain full contact details and your policy number, which you will need if something goes wrong.

Report any losses to the local police within 24 hours

If you are robbed or mugged, go to the police as soon as you can and get written evidence of their report.

Check your policy as well; it might require you to report the incident to your hotel and/or tour operator or have it translated before you make a claim. Don't miss out because you can't be arsed to read the smallprint.

Report your claim to your insurer as soon as possible

Many insurers insist on this and have a 24-hour claims line that you can ring.

Look after your possessions

Leaving possessions unattended, particularly valuable ones, may mean you cannot claim if they are stolen. Don't leave an expensive wallet and camera on the beach while you go for a dip. Your 'clever' trick of hiding them under your towel won't fool anyone.

Keep copies of all receipts or documents that you might need to support any claim you may make

It's no good trying to bluff your way through a claim when you get home. Insurers will want to see paperwork or they're not going to cough up.

File your claim as soon as possible when you return home

Insurers have a time limit for submitting claims and your claim could be refused if you don’t send it in on time or with the right paper work.

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