Aside from your luggage and your travel itinerary, there is one more thing you need to consider before you go on that holiday trip - travel insurance. There are always hitches when one travels; cancelled flight, delays, lost luggage, security concerns, a sudden bout of sickness. Travel insurance can help insure you from such emergencies and unforeseen expenses.

But what type of travel insurance should you choose and where could you get a reliable travel insurance plan? The type of travel insurance you should get should depend on your needs. In getting the travel insurance that is right for you, you should consider the following.

1. Length of stay. Do you need coverage for the length of your holiday trip only? Are you a frequent traveler? If you only need insurance for your vacation abroad, then a temporary travel insurance would be better. For frequent travelers or longer trips, it is better to get a comprehensive travel insurance.

Insurance companies can give you extensive and permanent coverage. Travel agencies and travel providers, such as tour operators and cruise lines, offer travel insurance package to their clients as well. However, insurance bought from travel providers are not as inclusive as those offered by insurance companies. Better to consult your travel agent on the kind of insurance you can get and what is best for your kind of travel.

The usual travel insurance package offers 5 type of coverages: cancellation/interruption coverage, medical, flight, baggage, and evacuation. Travel insurance costs can vary widely, and it depends on the insurance you wish to purchase.

2. Destination. Where you plan to go can help you determine the insurance coverage you would require. If you are going to a country or area where sanitation or diseases is a problem, you may want to beef up on your medical insurance. For countries where political unrest and security is a consideration, you may want to consider including an emergency evacuation/repatriation or terrorism insurance in your travel insurance package. But even if you are going to a well-known tourist spot or destination, guarding against accidents, especially in a foreign place is still wise.

3. Group or Individual Travel. Are you travelling with a group, your family, or traveling alone? The cost of your insurance will increase exponentially with the number of people needed to be insured. It is best to avail of family or group travel insurance that offers the best deal. This is especially handy in case of travel cancellations, which is very costly to cancel. Meanwhile, a family package offers discounts to children, which lessens the cost on you.

4. Health. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or a chronic illness that may require medical attention at some point in your travel, you may want to buy a separate medical coverage that will answer for emergency treatment, medication, hospitalization, and doctor's fees for your illness. You should also check your insurance provider's policies on you medical coverage.

All in all, choosing an insurance depends on you and what value having peace of mind when you travel is for you. For extensive coverage, it is best to get travel insurance from reputable and big-name insurance companies. Get recommendations from friends and family, and most of all, consult your travel agent.