Swine flu advice from Confused.com

As the severity of swine flu evolves and symptoms become more widespread, the advice is clear for those travelling abroad: it is paramount adequate insurance is in place.

It is advised annual trip policies are purchased whilst swine flu continues to be a risk to the public. These policies will cover the traveller and holidays over the course of a 12 month period. Within these policies additional benefits such as cancellation of a holiday, curtailment and repatriation can be covered.

Customers need to be aware of the exclusions in the policies they are buying. A small amount of providers exclude cover for ‘pandemics and epidemics'. When obtaining cover all consumers are urged to check inclusions and exclusions to avoid purchasing a product which is not fit for purpose. Pandemic exclusions are not present in mainstream policies, but travellers should always check.

If symptoms present themselves prior to travel, people will need a doctor's note confirming the diagnosis of swine flu from a practising medical practitioner. The insurance providers will need to see evidence of the virus in order to process a claim. If the virus is contracted while abroad, medical assistance should be sought, where normal procedures involving an insurance claim will be followed.

Additionally to travel insurance, holidaymakers within the E.U should also carry the EHIC card on them. This card essentially recognises the holidaymaker as a citizen of that country and enables cheaper medical treatment. This card has to be on the person at time of treatment. For those holidaying out of the EU (which do not benefit from this card) insurance must be in place.

For those who are worried or confused about the cover they have in place should call their providers to double check elements causing them concern. This can be done at any point of your holiday - both before or during.

People travelling with no cover are always taking a risk - in particular when there is a worldwide pandemic of swine flu disease. Every holidaymaker needs travel insurance in place to protect them against financial implications as a result of cancellation, illness when away, and in the worst case scenario, repatriation.

Comment attributed to Steve Williams, Head of Travel Insurance: Confused.com

"Travellers should not be prompted by major events such as the outbreak and spread of swine flu to buy cover. Every holidaymaker should ensure they are adequately covered as soon as the holiday is booked. Policies will not only cover you for unforeseen incidences such as illness or accidents, but it will also insure your holiday if you need to cancel it unexpectedly. All policies differ so shopping around is advised to ensure a suitable policy is bought by consumers.

"For people who risk travelling with no cover this serious situation should demonstrate how important insurance is should you be taken ill when away or are be prevented from going at all. Annual travel insurance which includes cancellation, medical cover and baggage can cost as little as £28 which equates to less than eight pence a day. Chancing it for such a minimal expense is unnecessary and foolish given the circumstances at the moment."