Travel tips and advice

Holidays are a time to relax and enjoy yourself - not to be worried by something going wrong - here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of accidents or illness while away from home:

Before you travel

• Make sure you have the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are travelling to a European Union member country - it will ensure that you have easy access to healthcare in that country. Obtain your EHIC from www.ehic.org.uk, by calling 0845 606 2030, or fill in a pack at the Post Office.
• Make sure all passports or visas or vaccinations are up to date - take all documents with you, including your travel insurance details
• Cancel the milk and newspapers at home while you're away - see our Beat the Burglar information page for more tips if you are leaving your home unoccupied
• Don't take large quantities of cash with you. Take travellers cheques and/or credit cards (make sure you have your emergency numbers with you to cancel the cards if necessary.)
• Conceal any valuable jewellery - don't be an easy target for thieves or muggers

While you are on holiday

• While travelling, never pack valuables, passports or money in 'checked-in' bags, keep them with you in hand luggage or on your person
• Don't leave belongings unattended or in vehicles
• At your hotel, keep valuables and cash in a safe deposit box or in the hotel safe if available. Some hotels will allow you to book a safety deposit box in advance or will have them installed in bedrooms.
• Place your money into a money belt and wear this while you are out and about
• Check whether the tap water is safe to drink - to be sure drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks
• Remember to inform the local police in the event of any loss or theft
  

These pages are for information purposes only. They do not form part of the contract of insurance.