The older we get, the more likely we are to become sick or injured. The statistics just suggest that even the best care in the world cannot stop the inevitable - we age, we weaken. While that should be kept in mind, it should not keep us from having the best time that we can, right through to the end of our lives. If you can afford to travel and are reasonably able to get around, you should definitely go on holiday whenever you get a chance, but you should also make sure that you take some extra precautions when you go.

Buying ski holiday insurance can protect you financially as well as in other ways if any of these things happen to you. You are covered from the moment you buy the policy, even before you board your plane. If the weather cancels your flight and you cannot reschedule, you are covered. If an emergency happens and you have to cancel your plans, the insurance will cover you; you do not lose all of your hard-earned money.

Many travellers become alarmed when a disease outbreak hits, such as the Swine Flu pandemic. Should you go ahead with your holiday, or cancel? Does travel insurance provide cover if you or one of your party comes down with swine flu and cannot travel? What happens if you are abroad and catch swine flu or another illness? Are you covered if you are abroad and a family member at home becomes ill, necessitating your immediate return? The answers may surprise you…