»  Cover – make sure that the cover that you get is what you need, try not to pay for more that you won't need, but equally, don't buy cover that doesn't cut the mustard in order to save a few quid.

In particular you will want to pay attention to medical cover and legal aid. These can both be outrageously expensive overseas. Also, you may well want to look at how much the company offers in terms baggage cover in the event of theft etc. Many companies will offer you cheaper prices (normally about 10% cheaper) if you don't insure your baggage, but you do risk losing all your possessions without any compensation.

»  Activities – When you go travelling you will be given the opportunity to get involved in some of the most exciting activities on earth. With excitement though, often comes elements of danger. It is therefore vital that when choosing your insurance company, you take in to consideration the kinds of activities that you might be getting involved in when you are away!

A few activities to consider when choosing your insurance might be: Bungee jumping, sky diving, scuba diving, White / black water rafting, trekking at altitude, horse riding and working.

»  Price – Although it's often tempting to go for the cheapest option with travel insurance, it's not always the correct option for you. The difference in prices from one company to the next is often phenomenal but you should make a judgement based on the value for money that you get, not just the price. The companies that we have selected all offer great value for money and are also amongst the cheapest out there. Remember though, if you find a rock bottom price elsewhere, the chances are they will be cutting back in terms of cover and activities.

»  Excess – Watch out for this. Some companies cut the cost of your insurance by increasing the amount of excess you pay on any given claim .

»  Clauses – Make sure that the company you decide to use covers you completely. Look out for things like: Countries that you're visiting (some countries are often excluded from your policy), where you're living now and if you have pre-existing medical conditions. Read the terms and Conditions before you buy so that there is no discrepancies if you need to claim.