Check that the cancellation cover on your travel insurance covers the pre-travel period

Having to cancel a holiday, whatever the reason, is bad enough. But what makes it worse is having to cancel, then finding that you don't have a claim for  a refund under your travel insurance.

We find that a surprising number of people opt for cancellation cover that only becomes active the day they travel. When you think about it, the likeliest time to cancel is between booking and travelling, so it's common sense to ensure that your cancellation cover is valid for that period.

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Winter holidaying this year? Here's how to choose the right travel insurance policy.

Onestop4's Annual Multi-Trip policy is ideal if your trip to the snowy slopes is just one of your holidays in a twelve month period. It's perfect for ski fans aged 65 or under because you'll be covered free of charge for up to 31 days winter sports activity each time you travel. That's pretty much unheard of at no extra charge. And of course all your other non-winter holiday trips will be covered as well.

If, on the other hand, you only need cover for the one holiday, our Single Trip policy gives you the flexibility to keep costs down by just selecting cover for the activities you need and excluding the rest.

There's also our Fit-4-Travel policy - the right option for anyone with a pre-existing medical condition before taking off on any kind of holiday.

Here's a quick guide to the remarkably comprehensive specialist winter sports cover you'll get whichever Onestop4 policy you choose:

• Cover for on-piste skiing and snowboarding, plus off-piste skiing and snowboarding when accompanied by a professionally qualified guide
• Generous equipment cover for accidental loss, damage or theft
• Cover for hired equipment
• Compensation for winter sports lessons, hired equipment and lift pass if you are prevented from taking part in winter sports due to accident, illness or injury during your holiday
• Compensation for winter sports lessons, hired equipment and lift pass if you are prevented from taking part in winer sports by adverse snow conditions or an avalanche in your resort resulting in piste closure
• Avalanche which causes delays to your outward or return journey

Get full details of all our policies at onestop4.co.uk or call free 0800 848 8448 for a confidential chat with one of our travel and health experts.

On a cruise this winter? Plan your healthcare needs first

There are doctors and pharmacies aplenty on board a cruise ship, but it's the costs that may make you queasy. Over the counter remedies are far dearer than at your local shops, and a consultation with a doctor can cost around £300, plus the cost of the medicines!

Our tips are:

• Take a medicine chest with plenty of everyday products for tummy upsets, colds, headaches etc
• Get your GP to prescribe enough of anything prescription medicines to take to last the whole journey
• Double check that your travel insurance covers all pre-existing medical conditions, otherwise you could find yourself marooned in mid-ocean without insurance
• Get an EHIC card - they're free from NHS Choices, so avoid the websites that try to charge you

Check out our Cruise Insurance policy, especially if you're planning a long winter cruise. It can cover anyone up to the age of 99, all pre-existing medical conditions are covered subject to screening acceptance. We also extend cancellation cover to the whole holiday, including flights, hotels and excursions, so you're less likely to be out of pocket. And the maximum duration of the holiday under our policy is a very generous 183 days.