Holiday insurance can be taken out for a one-off trip, or you can buy a policy that covers you for an unlimited number of trips taken in the course of a year

Student travel insurance covers overseas emergency medical expenses and repatriation costs. It also covers you for cancellation and curtailment of your trip. There are a great many student travel insurance policies to choose from, and you might be tempted to buy the first one you see, but check carefully that it is suitable for your needs

Annual travel insurance enables you to make as many trips as you like in a year, provided they don’t exceed a certain amount of time. Annual travel insurance policies should cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage and personal belongings at a minimum

Gap year travel insurance is different from an annual multi-trip policy. It is also important to check that your gap year travel insurance covers you for any valuables you are taking with you such as glasses, mp3 players and digital cameras. Whatever gap year travel insurance policy you buy, keep a copy of your insurance details on your person all the time and leave a copy with someone at home