We make around 50million trips abroad every year - and it's impossible for every one of those holidays to go smoothly.

But even if you have prepared for the worst with a travel insurance policy, you may still find yourself exposed if you don't read the small print. Here's how to keep fully covered and ensure you don't get burned.

BE UPFRONT ON PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

Claims relating to pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or diabetes are the most commonly refused by travel insurers.

Failing to include yours on the policy application may result in a cheaper premium initially, but you will feel the sting when the insurer won't cough up on your claim.

According to the Association of British Insurers, it costs £35,000 for an air ambulance from the east coast of America back to the UK - and up to £16,000 from the Canaries.

If by stating your medical condition you are refused cover, there are plenty of specialist insurers, says James Harrison of comparison service Insurancewide.co.uk. For example, Insurepink.co.uk offers deals specifically for travellers who have had breast cancer. For a wider raft of pre-existing conditions, look at insurers like Free Spirit and Medici.

IF YOU CAN'T STAY SOBER, STAY CAREFUL

Self-INFLICTED injuries will also be excluded from travel policies. According to research from Moneysupermarket.com, 53 per cent of Britons admit to drinking "much more" alcohol on holiday. "If blood or breath tests show excessive alcohol intake at the time of treatment, your policy is likely to be void," warns Peter Gerrard, head of insurance at Moneysupermarket.com.

THINK BEFORE YOU JUMP

Away from the monotony of work and bad weather, many Britons are tempted to try their hand at an extreme sport like skydiving or bungee jumping. But most standard policies exclude dangerous sports from their terms and conditions. Obtain specialist insurance if you're an adrenaline junkie.

RECORD DETAILS OF DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS

Although they are frustrating, minor delays to your journey will not be covered, says Peter Gerrard. "Most policies will not start to pay out until after 10 or 12 hours and then it will be around a fixed £20 an hour," he says.

But to claim you will need to carry out the right procedure.

"Make sure you obtain written confirmation from the airline, train or ferry company at the time, giving details of the reason for and length of the delay, and pass on these details to your insurer," advises Jim Bruce, head of Tesco Travel Insurance.

CHECK FOR ITEMS NOT COVERED

While your policy may include "£2,000 to £3,000 worth of cover for your collective baggage" and offer "uplift cover for a limited number of items to around £200 to £300", very expensive items like diamond rings or racing bikes will have to be declared separately. Cash typically also has a claim limit, regardless of the amount you lose. An excess will either be payable on the first, or each, item.

BUY ANNUAL COVER

If applying for singletrip insurance each time you leave British shores is likely to slip your mind, then buy one-off annual cover at the start of the year. If you travel abroad more than twice a year, annual cover usually works out cheaper anyway. And make sure you don't go to New York on your Europe-only policy!

DON'T PAY TWICE

While protecting yourself with the right cover is the most important thing, you don't want to pay twice either - so keep an eye out when booking flights with budget airlines.

Some, such as Ryanair and easyJet, will automatically quote travel insurance in the price of your flight - leaving unwitting travellers paying twice for the same insurance cover. Check also that expensive items are not already covered under your home insurance.

Source : http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk