Policies are normally issued either for holiday or business travel. Short period policies can be purchased for a single trip, though many people now prefer to opt for a multi-trip or annual insurance policy. Business travel policies usually only apply to non-manual occupations. If manual work is to be undertaken, special insurance will normally be required. For single trip holiday insurance, there is normally a maximum period of insurance, often set at three months, with multi trip or annual policies being the only option for a longer stay.

You should check your policy to ensure that there is adequate cover for the following:

• Personal accident benefits
• Medical and associated expenses (often in conjunction with a 24 hour emergency service).
• Loss of deposits, and other charges incurred due to cancellation or curtailment of the holiday.
• Baggage, personal effects and money.
• Personal liability.
• Legal expenses.

Cover may also be available for:

• Hospital cash benefit.
• Delayed baggage.
• Travel interruption.
• Travel delay.
• Failure of tour organiser.
• Lack of service or amenities.
• Loss of passport.

As a general rule, the lower the amount of cover, the cheaper the policy. However, this isn't always the case.

Most insurers provide the option of a package policy, including all sections for specified sums insured. A selective policy can sometimes be purchased, in which sections and sums insured can be combined to meet individual requirements, but as these are more expensive, there is not a great deal of demand for them except in the case of high net worth individuals.