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Holidays can be expensive enough without paying for travel insurance you may never need.

But travel isn't risk-free, and insurance is one extra that you should encourage your clients not to overlook – after all, a bad experience is rarely forgotten.

These holiday scenarios will help you sell the correct travel insurance policy and ensure your clients are protected.

Skiing accidents

Many skiers fail to cover themselves sufficiently against a fall on the slopes.

Standard travel insurance doesn’t always include outdoor activities, so check the small print to ensure your clients are covered – according to Optimum Underwriting, a simple wrist fracture can cost up to £4,000.

“We don’t receive many claims for people injured during skiing but when we do, they are generally in the thousands,” said Journeys Travel Insurance managing director Patrick Chong.

“Commissioning a chopper for a mountain rescue can cost between £10,000 and £15,000 alone and that’s without hospital treatment.”

Sample product: Extra winter sports cover with Only Insurance, including damage to equipment and piste closures due to avalanches or landslides costs from £18 per person for seven days.

Falling ill

Illness can ruin not only your holiday but that of those around you. Go Travel Insurance chief executive Christian Young said medical expenses make up 25% of annual claims.

“If you fall seriously ill or have an accident overseas, medical costs can be huge.” reiterated Young. “Without travel insurance, you would be left to pay the bill personally.”

Sample product: Standard single trip insurance with Go Travel Insurance starts at £3.95 per person, rising to £31.95 for annual multi-trip cover. 

Lost luggage

Lost luggage affect an average of six out of every 100 holidaymakers, yet insurance against it remains negligible.

While many holidaymakers are finally reunited with their possessions, they will need to shell out for holiday essentials in resort. And the price tag really adds up if baggage and possessions are never seen again.

Sample product: Journeys Travel Insurance’s standard policy includes loss of possessions for up to £750 and starts at £8.50 per person for a week’s holiday.

Crime

Crime is a problem all over the world, so don't let your clients think that they will be safe from pickpockets just because they're travelling to a nice resort.

Many European cities are renowned for professional thieves, and destination that attracts a lot of tourists will also attract criminals eager to snatch poorly guarded wallets and handbags.

Sample product: A fortnight’s family travel insurance with Only Insurance costs £23.70 and covers up to £1,500 worth of personal effects, with a single item limit of £250.

Flight cancellations

Flights can be cancelled for a variety of reasons, including adverse weather conditions, airline strikes and technical problems.

The fog that descended on the UK last Christmas is a prime example of unpredictable weather spoiling a holiday.

Travel insurance can’t bring your clients' holiday back if they are stranded, but the payout can help ensure their next holiday more than compensates.

Etravelinsurace.co.uk and 1Stoptravelinsurance.co.uk both offer dynamic packaging cover for holidaymakers organising flights independent of the travel trade.

Sample product: Standard single trip insurance with Go Travel Insurance starts at £3.95 per person, rising to £31.95 for annual multi-trip cover.

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