Travel insurance may feel complex, so we're here to help you make sense of it with some answers to frequently asked questions on the topic.

What is a single trip policy?

Single trip travel insurance covers you for the duration of one trip. You'll be asked on our quote form for the number of days you're going away for, and you will be insured during that time.

What is an annual policy?

An annual or multi-trip policy covers you for a 12-month period of travel. If you're planning on taking a number of trips within 365 days, getting an annual policy can be a cost-effective way of getting insurance. There are usually limitations on the maximum length of each trip that can be taken, often 31 days, as well as limitations on the total number of days you can travel within the year. These limits vary by provider so you should check the policy details before you buy.

What is backpacker insurance?

Backpacker insurance will cover you for longer trips, visiting multiple countries. For example, if you're taking a year out to travel around Asia. These usually include sports and adventure cover for certain activities as standard but always check before you buy.

Am I covered for different sporting activities?

You'll need to check the terms and conditions of a policy to see what is covered under it. Many standard policies either don't cover sports activities or have specific exclusions, although some providers are able to include activities if requested, at additional cost.

Cover for sporting activities is subject to your insurer's terms and conditions. Some providers may require certain activities to be organised by qualified or recognised operators, so it's worth checking the policy wording before you travel.

If you're planning a winter sports holiday, make sure you select winter sports cover when getting your quotes.

Are my family covered under my policy?

An individual travel insurance policy normally only covers the person named on the policy. If you're travelling together, you may need a family policy instead.

You'll be asked if you're travelling with your family when you fill in our online quote form, so any quotes returned will include them.

Bear in mind, a standard family policy will usually cover one or two adults living at the same address, plus at least one child under the age of 18, who permanently lives with you. So, if you have children or stepchildren who split their time between two households, check with your chosen provider to see if they are covered.

I'm over 65. Can I get cover?

Yes, there are many providers that provide cover for those over 65 and depending on your health, you should be able to obtain quotes right through your 70s, 80s and 90s. You'll be asked for your date of birth when you fill in our online quote form, and the quotes returned will be specific to your age and any declared medical conditions.

Will my policy cover me for a business trip?

You'll usually need to specify that you require business cover if you're going on a business trip, for items not usually covered under a policy as standard. You should check your chosen provider's policy documentation for details.

I'm going on a cruise; will I be covered?

You won't usually be fully covered under a policy as standard but going on a cruise is a popular holiday for which insurance is widely available. When you request quotes, be sure to specify that you require cruise cover in order to only receive quotes from providers who provide such policies.

Are there any limitations on how long I can go away for?

This depends on what kind of policy you buy. A single trip policy will cover you for the length of your trip which can be for many months, whereas there will usually be limits, often 31 days under an annual policy (some policies will give you up to 90 days). Check the policy documentation before you buy to make sure this covers what you need.

What is an excess?

An excess is your contribution towards the cost of a claim. If you make a claim for £1000 and your excess is £100, you will receive £900 from your insurance company. In many cases, choosing a higher excess may reduce the cost of your policy, although this varies between providers.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

This is a medical condition or illness you already have or have previously had. You should answer all medical screening questions fully and accurately and disclose any conditions requested during the application process.

Failure to disclose relevant medical information could result in claims being rejected, cover being restricted or the policy being cancelled.

If you use Holiday Ready to obtain quotes, you can disclose all medical conditions online. If you're unsure about which conditions you should or shouldn't disclose, it's better to be safe than sorry and disclose the condition!

Will a pre-existing medical condition affect my insurance?

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it's important you tell your insurance company about it. Failure to disclose your condition may invalidate your policy, meaning you won't be covered should you need medical treatment while you're away. The severity of the condition as considered by the providers may increase the cost of your premiums. If you declare a medical condition on our quote form, all quotes returned will include cover for this.

How do I make a claim on my policy?

In case you need to make a claim while you are away, your provider will provide you with a 24-hour phone number you can use to contact them. They'll then advise you what information they need from you, and offer help if it's needed, for example in a medical emergency.

If you don't need to make a claim until you get home, you just need to contact your provider and request a claim form, or they may ask you to use their online claims service. Your policy documentation will have information about how to make a claim.

What is a GHIC and do I need one?

A valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives UK travellers access to state provided medical care in member countries of the European Union. You'll get the same treatment as residents in those countries, but unlike the UK, it isn't always free. This means you may be asked to contribute a portion of, or all of the costs of any medical treatment you undergo, so travel insurance can help to cover medical costs.

You should also be aware that a GHIC will not cover private healthcare services, lost luggage, flight delays or repatriation back home, to name a few examples.

While the GHIC can be a great addition to your passport wallet, it's not a replacement for travel insurance. It will not provide cover for lost luggage, flight delays or repatriation back home, for example.