Insurance documents can be confusing, particularly if they use a large number of technical terms or excessively legal language. It’s important that you understand the terms of any policy fully before you buy so we’ve compiled a list of some common terms to help you make informed decisions when buying insurance. As ever, make sure you read your poli [..]

A travel insurance policy that provides cover for several trips over the course of 12 months. There may be a limit on the number of days each trip can last. For these policies, cancellation cover only begins on the start date of your policy - so make sure you have cover in force at the time you book any trip.

The opportunity granted by law to cancel a policy within 14 days of receipt of the policy documents. Any premium already paid is normally refunded in full (though there may be a deduction for administration costs) if there has been no travel, no claim made (or intending to be made) and no incident likely to give rise to a claim has occurred.

Most companies offer this facility as an option when you take out an Annual policy, to help you ensure there is no break of cover between policies on their expiry. You should receive notice, at least 21 days before expiry, of what the new policy premium will be and any key changes to the terms and conditions. If you are happy with the renewal infor [..]

If included in your insurance, this covers items which are worn, used or carried by you during a trip up to a total value. If you are travelling for business, it may also cover specific business-related materials. There are often sub-limits for types of personal effects, particularly valuables (often including all electronic goods), so check defini [..]

The amount that an insurance provider may pay you under the terms of your policy up to a stated maximum limit. Be aware that some benefits may be limited by circumstance or situation. Business goods and equipment

When applied to travel insurance, this ensures you don’t lose out if circumstances change and you have to cancel your holiday (for an insured reason) before you travel.

You should tell your insurer about any relevant changes to your health that take place between the date you bought your policy and the date you travel. This includes: any new treatment or prescribed medication;

This may allow you to recover some of the costs of your holiday if you have to cut your holiday short (perhaps because of injury or illness).

Offers some degree of cover if your scheduled means of transport is late leaving once you have checked in at the departure point. This is usually a small amount of compensation to cover things like a meal or telephone calls, payable after you have been held up for a given amount of time.