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Holidays: stay calm, stay covered

Holding a good travel insurance policy and knowing what it means can be one way to help you stay calm and keep your peace of mind when travelling.

Although airlines and tour companies sometimes provide some coverage, this is generally inadequate for any substantial problem encountered while abroad.

Travel insurance can protect you against other delays and cancellations, including medical emergencies and deaths of family members. When purchasing insurance, it's important to read the fine print and question your broker to discover exactly what kind of delays and cancellations are covered.

Airlines are not responsible for delayed flights and passengers cannot get compensation from the airline. Only passengers travelling with a tour operator or with good travel insurance can file for compensation.

Travellers with package vacations or who have booked their holidays through tour operators are often provided with an additional layer of protection if their holiday goes wrong and they often find it easier to make alternative arrangements in the event of delays and cancellations, but many travel insurance companies will help with these services as well.

British Airways has been the worst offender when it comes to lost luggage but missing bags are something for every traveller to fear. Airlines only pay out a small amount for lost bags and do so generally on weight, not on the value of the contents. Although travel insurance will not help get back sentimental items, it can provide fair compensation for items lost and cover you for necessary items you need to purchase when your luggage is delayed.

Although airports may improve their services in the months to come, the dangers faced by travellers will likely remain the same. Whatever improvements are made to Heathrow's baggage handling system, whatever security restrictions become more flexible, airlines will still experience delays and baggage will continue to be lost. Travel insurance is one way to make your vacation a little easier because you know at every step along the way your holiday time and goods are protected.

Follow these links to find out more or to get a quote on Travel insurance, UK airport parking, UK airport hotels or UK airport lounges.

Jennifer Jones Editorial

30/07/2007