1. Will you be covered for the cost of repatriation in an emergency? The FCO sets the guidelines of having at least £2 million worth of cover so that hospital fees and the associated cost of returning you home will be met. The cost should not be underestimated, particularly if your condition means unusual arrangements for your transport must be made.

2. Does your insurer provide 24-hour assistance? This is of the utmost importance in emergency situations. For example, some insurers need to be informed before medical procedures are started if they are to be paid for. You don’t want to be left waiting in pain.

3. How will you be reimbursed for cancellations, if at all? There are thousands of reasons why you may cancel a trip, but not all of these will be considered legitimate reasons by you insurer. Before doing anything definitely check what the insurer’s stance is on this issue. It is also worth checking what provisions are in place should the tour operator or airline cancel your trip.

4. Does the cancellation cover start immediately? You need to know if the insurer will find alternative accommodation whilst you wait, for new flights perhaps, or if you will have to pay for alternative accommodation yourself and be reimbursed later on. The recent Bangkok airport protests are a prime example of this cover coming in handy.

5. Are adventurous sports covered, and if so which ones aren’t? Standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover extreme sports, and even some you’d think might be fine actually aren’t. The level of risk is key. Things such as paragliding or skiing won’t be covered as standard, but things like swimming should be fine.

6. Will your insurer protect you against personal liability? Accidents can happen anywhere and sometimes they might be your fault. Causing a traffic accident is a common example, and despite the fact that you meant no harm if someone has become injured you may be sued. Personal liability cover can be invaluable and take the stress out of a possible holiday-ruining situation.

7. Does the policy offer reimbursement of legal expenses incurred if a damage claim needs to be made? This is the flipside of the previous question. If someone does you an injury, say by careless driving, you are entitled to claim damages. But lawyers are expensive and if you cannot afford legal representation you may come away from court with nothing.

8. Are the limits for stolen or damaged items sufficient? Depending on where you’re going and for how long, you may have possessions the value of which exceeds the limits of your insurance policy. Ski trips are a notable example of having valuable equipment. You can always up your cover limits if you’re going to need the extra assurance, but make sure you do it before all your stuff gets stolen.

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Make sure all the questions above are answered with cheap travel insurance from AA Travel Insurance. Wherever you are, their worldwide travel insurance policies ensure you are covered.