Christmas claims: hazards to insure against

Shopping trips to the Christmas markets in Europe attract a large number international travellers every year, along with opportunistic pickpockets waiting to get their hands on your shopping cash.

Insurance tip: Keep your credit cards and cash in separate wallets. Make sure your policy covers theft of cash and credit cards, and check your policy limits. Remember also that if you have something stolen you will need to get a police report to support your claim.

Spanish sun for Christmas (and January…..and February….and even March!)

Dark cold days and costly winter fuel consumption coupled with an abundance of cheap winter sun travel deals means that an increasing number of the UK's mature travellers are taking off to the sunny climes of southern Europe and beyond for the entire winter. However, one in five travellers aged over 65 have faced difficulties in obtaining travel insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma and heart disease.

Insurance tip: Ensure you declare all pre-existing medical conditions to your insurance company. Bradford & Bingley offers the opportunity to cover many pre-existing medical conditions. Customers also have the convenience of a fully integrated online medical screening facility.

Visiting Father Christmas in Lapland

Visiting Father Christmas in his snowy home of Lapland is a wish come true for kids and adults everywhere. Taking a sleigh ride with Rudolph is a fun extra but check that your policy covers such outdoor activities.

Insurance tip: Some insurers will not provide cover for some of the activities that you may participate in on your trip, therefore it is important to check whether your sleigh ride is covered before you go.

Slope off to the snow for Christmas fun

This year more than 1.3 million UK holidaymakers will go on a snow sports holiday. Although they may have struck a cool bargain with their ski holiday package, many of those heading for the slopes this Christmas won’t be bargaining for a broken limb.

Insurance tip: The cost of treatment, for a broken leg whilst skiing in France, for example, can cost anywhere from £750 to £5,000. The lesson is, don’t scrimp on your winter sports cover! Ensure you're covered for all activities planned and if you are travelling to Europe apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC - replacement for E111).

Christmas with friends and family abroad

The majority of travellers spending this festive season with family abroad will no doubt make it to their destination in one piece, but the Christmas gifts they’re carrying may not be so lucky.

Insurance tip: Ensure that your travel insurance policy has sufficient cover for any luggage you may be carrying including any valuables.

Charity at Christmas

As Christmas time is a time for charity, some use the festive season as a reason for taking time out from the nine to five and giving something back.

Sabbaticals abroad to embark on voluntary work are popular at this time of year, and can last anywhere from two weeks to three, six, twelve months and beyond.

Insurance tip: The length of trip that annual multi-trip policies provide varies from insurer to insurer, so check your policy for details. Bradford & Bingley's annual Standard cover is for trips up to 31 days but can be extended for up to 90 days cover per trip, for an additional premium. For longer trips speak to a specialist insurer.

Dave Foyle, head of insurance at Bradford & Bingley, comments: “Christmas, although a time for celebration, doesn’t come without its fair share of stresses, not least if you’re heading off abroad for the festive season.

With expensive Christmas presents in your luggage or the promise of fun on the slopes, travellers should be warned that December can be a costly month for travel claims and so it is essential that they are covered by insurance for all eventualities.”

Bradford & Bingley's travel insurance has recently been revamped to offer wider cover for customers with pre-existing medical conditions. Customers now have the choice to include these conditions for an additional premium, or exclude them from cover altogether. Medical screening is undertaken as part of the full quote process whether your quote is online or by telephone. Annual travel cover is available up to age 79 and single trip cover for those up to age 85. Cover is available from as little as £14 single trip and £44 annual.

Customers can get a quote or apply for cover by logging onto bradfordandbingley.co.uk.