Sometimes holidays don't go to plan. And that's ok because you're clever and you're covered by travel insurance, right?

Having the right cover is one thing, knowing how to work that cover is another. And by work, I mean claim. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that in order to claim, something has to go wrong on your trip, which is obviously not what anyone wants. 

Here's 5 Hard-earned, real-life travel insurance tips advice to *hopefully* make all the bad stuff go away and get you back on track asap.

1. KNOW WHAT'S COVERED

Be sure you understand exactly what you're covered for by reading your travel insurance PDS each time you buy travel insurance. When you know the rules of your cover you can avoid sticky situations on your trip, and at home if you need to claim.

2. DISCLOSE PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Typically, the 'regular' conditions like coeliac disease and epilepsy are covered. Travel with Jane for instance automatically covers 43 pre-existing medical conditions, as long as you haven't been hospitalized (including day surgery or attending an emergency department) for that condition in the past 24 months. let your insurer know about any pre-existing conditions at the time of taking out your policy.

Just to be clear, in travel insurance terms, a pre-existing medical condition is:

1. An ongoing medical or dental condition that you're aware of, or any related symptoms or complications you're aware of.
2. A medical or dental condition that is currently being, or has been, investigated or treated by a health professional (including a dentist or chiropractor) at any time before you buy the policy.
3. Any condition you take prescribed medication for.
4. Any condition you've had surgery for.
5. Any condition you see a medical specialist for.

3. KEEP EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS AND YOUR POLICY NUMBER HANDY

All insurers have telephone numbers to call in an emergency. It is a good idea to keep this number on hand along with your policy details. It's also a good idea to share your policy number with a travel companion, friend or family member so that they can lend an administrative hand in the event that you're 'traveller down'.

4. REPORT THE INCIDENT QUICKLY

It's really, really important that you document incidents in an official way, and in the case of a medical emergency, that you let your insurer know what's happened as absolutely quickly as you can. 

It's a big no-no to go ahead with medical treatment without first calling your insurer as you may not be able to claim un-authorized expenses. Of course, you may not always be able to call first if it's a serious accident, but where possible, make that call a priority.

5. KEEP EVIDENCE AND RECEIPTS

 If you are travelling for any length of time, give some thought as to what valuable items you are taking with you and how you could prove that you own them should the item get lost, damaged or stolen. 

If you don't have receipts or credit card statements to verify ownership, it's a good idea to write down serial numbers and take time-stamped photographs of high-risk items like camera, phone etc.

For medical or dental expenses, insurers will need written confirmation of your illness from a qualified member of the medical or dental profession.

For cancellation or rescheduling expenses, your insurer will need original booking invoices and receipts, a trip cancellation invoice, written confirmation from your airline.

For stolen items, your insurer will need an official written police report and show proof of ownership for the items nicked. 

Follow our 5  travel insurance tips to claim like a pro and be extra prepared on your next trip. Should you ever need to make a travel insurance claim, make it an especially stress-free experience by using the super-easy online claim form.