With the start of the holiday season, travel insurance companies experience high levels of claims, many of which could have been prevented. If you haven’t included an excess waiver with your medical travel insurance policy (or any other travel insurance policy), you will have to pay some expense towards your claim and the insurance company will pay the balance.

Make sure you are not required to have a visa to travel to your destination, or if you do need a visa, you have obtained it.

Before you leave home, check that there are no disruptions in the services of the company you are travelling with and also check the weather reports for possible severe weather conditions at your destination.

Don’t travel against the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice, check the FCO website for accurate and up-to-date information about the place you intend to visit.

When abroad, drink bottled water only, be careful when choosing a place to eat, especially at exotic destinations and only exchange your currency at authorised places. As a visitor, you do not know how high the level of crime is where you’re staying so be aware of possible pick pockets. Remember, you must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.