Now is the time when those who can afford to take a long break look to head for sunnier shores. So you need to make sure you tie up all the loose ends before you go.
Travel safely
Firstly, check out your travel insurance policy. Even if you have an annual multi-trip policy, it may not be enough for your needs. Annual policies have a limit on how long you can be away - typically 30 days for each trip. If you plan to be away for longer, ask your travel insurer if you can add on extra time or take out a separate policy to cover you.
The most important element is the medical cover. Treatment abroad or being hospitalised can be horrendously expensive - even in the EU. You need to answer medical questions accurately not just about yourself but also about others travelling with you and those left at home.
Consider the health of family members which might affect your ability to travel. For instance, if a close relative suddenly became seriously ill you may wish to cancel your trip or return home early so tell your insurer. Your whole insurance policy can be invalidated if you fail to provide full details.
Travellers often believe that insurance will be too expensive or that they won't be able to get it at all if they have health problems. While it's vital to be honest about your health under the pre-existing medical conditions section, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't be covered.
Insurer PJ Hayman, which has a policy designed for those with health issues called Free Spirit, says that those with diabetes, high blood pressure or epilepsy don't need to worry. Generally, these shouldn't make it hard to get cover. Yet its research shows fear of not being able to obtain cover would prompt one in ten Brits to lie about having a non-life threatening condition in order to be able to travel abroad.
Many people moan that despite their illness being a long time ago or under control from the pills they are taking, insurers still take a dim view of it. If this is the case, your other option is to take out travel insurance which excludes that specific medical condition. But beware.
For example, if you have a heart condition which could reoccur without warning it could be a false economy to exclude it, but if you have recovered from cancer you may feel confident to travel without cover for that.
Save on insurance
Those going to Europe can save money by getting a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This doesn't replace travel insurance, but some insurers insist on it and others will waive the excess for medical treatment if you have it. The EHIC covers the basic State provided health care in the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
Another way to save costs is to look at whether you can remove the baggage cover in the policy. If your household insurance covers you for possessions away from your home - the 'all risks' element - then you could be doubling up on your insurance.
And remove cover for North America from annual policies if you don't intend to travel there as the medical costs in the States and Canada push up premiums alarmingly.
Over 65
Travel insurance for those aged 66 and over can be double the usual price, according to financial researchers Defaqto. However, policies aimed at older holidaymakers usually beat the best other companies can offer for both single trip and annual worldwide policies. Saga, Age Concern and its financial arm, Intune, have no upper age limits. Rias, LV= and MoreThan have a top age of 79. Also, worth considering is Alliance & Leicester's Premier 50 current account - there's a £10 monthly fee but it includes a number of additional benefits including travel insurance up to the age of 79 (although if you're going away for an extended period check what cover is in place).
Defaqto's findings are not available to the public but its star-rating system which indicates how good the cover is can be found on its website Isita5star.com. This can be viewed by anyone.
Home and Away
The other thing you need to check is your home insurance. These policies also have a limit on how long your home can be left empty and can often be only 30 days.
It makes good sense anyway to ask a friend, neighbour or one of your family to pop in and check on the property regularly. You particularly want them to make sure there are no leaks or burst pipes during winter. Water can cause a huge amount of damage in a short time if left. Leave numbers of reliable plumbers and other tradesmen they can call on in an emergency.
Taking to the road
Driving to your holiday spot can be fun, but ignorance is not bliss. Most comprehensive motor insurance policies revert to basic third party cover once you cross the Channel. But drivers are often totally unaware of this.
Some insurers such as the AA, Admiral, Endsleigh and Marks & Spencer do include comprehensive cover for up to 90 days a year as standard. Others may just give you a few days, but you can have more added on. Do tell your insurer you're taking your car across the Channel.
It's also worthwhile having European breakdown cover. UK providers will offer this but it may not be included as standard. Check out moneysupermarket.com's breakdown channel to compare levels of cover and cost.
The universal number to ring in an emergency in Europe should you have an accident is 112.
Please note: Any rates or deals mentioned in this article were available at the time of writing.
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