Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency/Holiday Money - click here to order your foreign currency online and get it delivered the next day.

Before You Go
Ensure passports, visa and travel documents are in order.
Have you had the vaccinations/innoculations required?
Cancel all deliveries of newspapers and milk etc.
Arrange for a neighbour to keep an eye on your house while you are away.
Try to avoid taking expensive jewellery with you and other valuables.
Allow sufficient time to reach the airport or departure point. Make additional allowances for the unexpected.
Remember to ensure that your home contents and house policies are up to date.
If you are leaving during the winter months, it is recommended that you leave your heating on low 24 hours a day, and ensure that your loft pipes and tank are adequately insulated so as to prevent returning to a burst pipe and flooded home.
Ask a friend to perhaps call in occasionally so that if an emergency occurs, it can be detected and the damage can be kept to a minimum.

Form EHIC
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you are travelling to a qualifying European country (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden or Switzerland) you should ensure you hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

EHIC's allow you to get free, or reduced cost, emergency medical treatment in the qualifying European countries, listed above, as they have signed a reciprocal agreement with the UK Government for health services. Please note that they are not a replacement for travel insurance for travellers to Europe as few countries pay the full cost of medical treatment, and any extra travel, accommodation expenses or repatriation costs are not covered by the reciprocal healthcare arrangements, not to mention the other aspects of a travel insurance policy such as cancellation cover, personal belongings cover, personal liabilty cover and much more.

Nevertheless, having a valid EHIC is not only a good idea, but some insurers may waive the medical excess which you would normally be expected to pay yourself before making a claim for additional costs, while other insurers make it a requirement for a successful claim due to the reduction in their liability. Therefore, as with all insurance contracts you are advised to read the policy wording carefully to ensure you understand and meet the conditions of cover specified by the insurer.

You can apply for an EHIC online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers, by calling 0845 606 2030 or by completing the form available from your local Post Office.

On Holiday
Don't risk over exposure to the sun, especially for children and babies who should have sun hats. Ensure that you have plenty of sun-block cream with the appropriate Factor. The sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm.
Be careful with unfamiliar food and drink.
Check that local water is safe to drink. If in doubt, always buy bottled water.
Observe warning signs and local laws, particularly in the Middle East and Asia.
Don't leave your luggage or valuables unattended at any time, especially at airports and hotels.
Don't carry more money around with you, particularly cash, than you have to.
Avoid keeping your passports, cheque books and credit cards together unless in a hotel safe.
Think before you dive. Check the depth of the swimming pools and sea, and only dive if you are sure the water is deep enough.

If something Goes Wrong
Keep your travel insurance documents to hand with the emergency numbers.
Always retain all receipts for medical expenses.
Report losses/theft to the Police immediately and obtain a copy of the report.
Losses not discovered until return MUST be reported to the Airline within 7 days.
If your flight is delayed, you must obtain written confirmation from the carrier giving the reason for the delay and duration. This will enable you to claim for delayed departure benefit.

Hazardous Pursuits
If you are going to engage in any activities which may be hazardous, ensure that your travel insurance will cover you. Most activities are insurable and it is better to be safe than sorry, as it will be too late to sort out the problem if you have broken your neck whilst skiing or in some remote parts of the world without the correct insurance cover.
Your dream vacation will turn into a nightmare.
Hundreds of uninsured people finally return home after being held in a foreign country until the medical bills are paid, often running into thousands of pounds.

Country-Specific Information
Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office web site for country-specific warnings and information. If you travel against advice from the FCO, you may find that your insurance cover is invalid.
There are many other aspects of advice for the foreign traveller on this comprehensive site.

Laptop Computer Cover
If you are one who travels with your laptop computer, you may wish to consider a policy on this equipment. Travel insurance policies are likely to have limits for single items which are below the value of this type of equipment so a specialised policy is the answer. Currently we have a policy to offer you which is a 12 month policy which is not confined to cover whilst in trips. Click on this graphic to learn more :-

If you intend to get around and see the sights at your holiday destination, you will invariably find that hiring a car will save you and your party a great deal of money compared to organised excursions from your tour operator. We have teamed up with Auto Europe to bring you Car Hire deals in Europe, the USA and in many worldwide countries. Click Here to check out the Deals and Specials on offer.