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If you are going abroad, then it is important to get travel insurance. If you have problems or become ill whilst abroad then that insurance could literally save your life. However, you shouldn't get the first travel insurance policy that looks tempting. You need to make sure that you have the right level of cover and that you get a good price. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of travel insurance:

Don't leave it until the last minute

When getting travel insurance you should make sure that you begin shopping around as soon as you have made your travel arrangements. Many people shop around endlessly for their holidays but just buy the first travel insurance policy they see at the last minute. Look around at all the deals available and look at what they cover you for.

Medical and repatriation

If you are going to a country that has potential political problems or disease issues, then you need to make sure your policy covers all medical eventualities as well as repatriation. You should try and get a policy that covers you for at least '1 million.

Trip cancellation

One aspect that your policy should include is the refund of your holiday costs should the trip be cancelled or cut short. This is important because this is one of the most common reasons for claiming on travel insurance.

Immediate start

You should make note of whether the policy starts immediately or after a certain number of days. If you have a limited time to book your insurance then you want a policy that covers you as soon as you book it.

Dangerous activities

If you like being adventurous on holiday then you will want a policy that covers you for potentially dangerous sports and activities. Many policies don't cover for items like skydiving or bungee jumping, so if you will be doing these things you need to look into which policies will cover you.

Personal liability

One of the most important things you need to be covered for is personal liability. If you accidentally injure someone then you will be thankful for having this cover. Make sure the level of personal liability cover you get is the highest you can afford to cover potential lawsuits or compensation.

Lost or stolen

It is important to have a policy that will cover you in the event that your goods are lost or stolen. This will be of particular use if you lose your wallet or other valuable possessions

Single and annual cover

If you go abroad infrequently then you will only need to buy single trip insurance. However, if you travel a lot then it might be cheaper to get annual cover. This will cover you for any trips that you make in the year, and will save you having to take out new insurance each time.