Travel insurance is often an after thought when booking a trip but can be a life saver if things go wrong, especially if you're half way around the world when it does.

At the very least a good travel insurance policy buys you a little extra peace of mind. But is it a false sense of security? With travel insurance companies estimating that up to 10% of claims are fraudulent, how can you ensure that any legitimate claim you make is taken seriously and paid out in full?

TIP 1. Take a closer look before you buy
Many people assume that there's little difference between most travel insurance policies. In reality, the quality of cover, options included and excesses you'll have to pay will vary. This might seem trivial now but will be crucial should you need to claim.

A lot of disputes arise because people think they're covered and discover too late that they're not.

So before you simply opt for the cheapest premium, take a closer look and make sure you're comparing like with like. In particular, be sure to check:

•Policy excess: don't just compare premiums check how much of a claim you would have to pay. If the excess is £50 per item that means you have to pay the first £50 of any claim for each item you are claiming for.
•The maximum you claim for individual items.
•The level of medical protection you have, particularly in countries like the USA where medical costs can be higher.
•What you're not covered for such as pre-existing medical conditions.
•If you're covered for lost or stolen cash and how much.
•If loss is covered as well as theft.
•If 24-hour emergency assistance is included or optional.

A comprehensive list of insurers can be found in the Travel Insurance Index.

TIP 2. Disclose any existing medical conditions
Your travel insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company based upon "utmost good faith". As such you have a duty to disclose anything that may affect the acceptance or terms of a policy, any exclusions or its price.

Be completely open and honest about your medical history and any activities you're likely to take part in, whether you think they're risky or not. As with any insurance policy; if in doubt declare it anyway. One of the most common defenses made by insurers when declining a claim is that information was not discolsed or not correctly disclosed. Declare everything and document it.

TIP 3. Take a copy document with you
Most good policy travel insurance documents will confirm the claim procedures to follow in the event of theft or loss, what you are covered for and most importantly who to call in an emergency. Having this information to hand can save a lot of unecessary stress if you need help whilst away.