March 2005

You've booked your holiday and now its time to take out holiday insurance, if you haven't done so ready.

There are numerous policies around to cater for your needs. Please note that even though you take out holiday insurance, your policy will state that you must take care of your belongings at all times as failure to do so may result in your policy not paying out.

Here are some tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of holiday crime.

• Don't take more valuables than you actually require.
• Keep all valuables and cash in your hand baggage.
• Don't leave your home address visible on your baggage when travelling.
• It should go without saying but never leave valuables unattended, especially at airports, stations, in a vehicle, on the beach or places of entertainment.
• Don't take large quantities of cash with you, use traveller's cheques.
• Don't carry cash and valuables around with you, use a hotel safety deposit box or safe.
• Never keep your wallet in your back trouser pocket or lying visible in a handbag. Be careful when carrying handbags or other bags, they can quickly and easily be snatched. Use shoulder straps on opposite shoulder where possible.
• Avoid entering unsafe areas.

Whether you are going backpacking round the world or going on a family holiday for two weeks, travel insurance can offer you essential cover. When selecting a travel insurance policy you should check the following:

Minimum excess Some policies may offer you a cheap quote but very high excess in the event of a claim. Make sure you are happy with this before taking out the insurance.

Maximum sum insuredAlways check the maximum limit you are insured for so that it covers your requirements.

Dangerous sports If you're going on a sports holiday, such as skiing, scuba diving, abseiling, you need to check that your policy covers you. You will probably have to take out specialist cover if this is the main purpose of your holiday.

Medical conditionsIf you have any special medical conditions, you should notify your insurer as some may be covered by your policy, but others may require specialist cover.

Special restrictions Always check your policy for specialist restrictions, which severely limit the effectiveness of your cover, according to the type of holiday you are taking.