When people take out travel insurance policies, they are sometimes not as abreast of the fine print as they should be. Travel insurance documents cover every eventuality and the details of the traveller, his visit and almost every detail surrounding the trip. Ignoring these can mean you will not be protected if you do not understand the fine print.

In considering travel insurance, make a choice with which you will be comfortable. Then you can enjoy your trip, confident that you won't be worrying about "What if?" .Allow the same time and consideration for picking your policy as you would to deciding on a destination, shopping for your airline ticket or buying a backpack that's just right for you.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, be careful in your choice of insurers. Some policies are restrictive in coverage of claims that are related to pre-existing medical conditions within various periods prior to your trip. If you have been taking medications or have been treated by or have even seen a doctor for any medical condition within the previous six months, make sure that you get a policy that covers this and accepts it, and importantly do not understate the seriousness of your condition.

Look for a policy that will provide coverage for rescheduled flights home; many tour packages utilise special fares that do not provide for schedule changes. In case of any emergency problem, it is worthwhile to contact the public relations representative of the airline to see if they might make some accommodation because of the special circumstances.

Verify the details of any health policies you already have carefully. Find out if your coverage extends to emergency medical services outside the country, what that coverage entails and whether that coverage is adequate if something goes wrong on your holiday. Then begin shopping for any extra protection you might need. This is where travellers make their most serious mistake. They do not realise that whether they are out of the country for two hours or two months, accidents are never planned and ill health can come on very suddenly. You could find yourself too sick to travel home for medical treatment and hospital stays can rack up the pounds or dollars or the currency of whatever country to happen to fall ill in.

It is advisable to personalise your policy. Consider carefully the kind of coverage you need. Are you pregnant? Are you a diabetic? All of these factors will play an important role in your choice of policies and they must be considered very carefully. This does not mean you should ever be less than truthful about your situation. Emergency health insurers have very stringent rules in regard to pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss these carefully with your insurance company. The biggest mistake people have made is to go abroad without advising them of their medical problems, usually resulting in losing their coverage and with no payments being made.

No question is too silly to ask. It is never their inconvenience, it is your prerogative to ask, so ask.Ask about the company's emergency procedures. What happens if you become injured and need medical assistance immediately? Is their Assistance Center staffed 24 hours a day? How quickly and effectively will their medical staff react to your particular needs?

Travellers tend not to think about these things as they set off on holiday but they usually find out too late that they should have investigated them thoroughly.