Travel insurance 'as important as your suitcase'

Taking comprehensive travel insurance should be as important to holidaymakers as their suitcase, one insurance expert has claimed.

Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive at the British Insurance Brokers' Association, said that people tend to see travel cover as another commodity attached to their holiday.

However, he warned that in times of crisis it can be something holidaymakers can rely on to get them out of trouble.

He commented: "If something does go wrong abroad, you want to be able to phone someone who speaks your language who knows how to get someone to help you, [or] get you some medical attention and pay for it."

Doctor Jane Wilson-Howarth recently reiterated this view when she told the Independent that individuals should have comprehensive cover in place which has links to medical services in the country where they are staying.

In this way, travellers are able to secure swift treatment should they fall ill or have an injury while on holiday.

InsureandGo offers comprehensive travel insurance cover for those heading overseas.