Golf travel insurance

To ensure you're getting the best golf insurance for you, there are a few things to consider:

• The value of your golf equipment: Golf equipment can be very expensive. It's important to check the cover limits set out in your policy to make sure you're getting a sufficient level of cover for your gear.
• The frequency and location of your travel: If you're a frequent traveller, it's worth considering annual travel insurance. This type of travel insurance covers all your trips for the year under one policy.

• Any pre-existing medical conditions: Medical conditions can make your travel insurance more expensive. But it's vital that you accurately declare any conditions you have. Otherwise, you could invalidate your cover.
• Whether you want any additional cover: Not every policy will cover the same things. For example, some golf travel insurance will include hole-in-one cover. More comprehensive policies generally cost more, so it's worth weighing up the pros and cons of having more cover that you might not need.

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. It's important to understand the limitations of your policy. Common exclusions include:

• General wear and tear: If your golf clubs are showing signs of general wear and tear, your travel insurance won't cover the cost of replacements.
• Unattended items: If you leave your equipment unattended and it's lost, stolen or damaged, it's unlikely that the cost of replacements will be covered by your insurance.
• Incidents that occur under the influence: If something happens while you're under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you won't be covered for claims you make.

• Undeclared medical conditions: If you fail to declare a medical condition, you won't be covered if you then need medical care.
• Travelling against FCDO advise: You won't be covered if you travel against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth or Development Office (FCDO).
• Incidents relating to natural disasters, civil unrest or terrorism: If your trip is disrupted due to events of this nature, you might not be covered.

There are some insurers that might not offer cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Others may offer golf travel insurance at a higher price.

The reason is that certain pre-existing medical conditions mean you might need emergency care while you're away, which your insurer might have to pay for. You therefore pose as a higher risk to insure. These conditions include:

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Serious heart conditions
• Respiratory conditions
• Terminal illnesses

You must tell your insurer about any health issues before searching for travel insurance to make sure you've got the right cover. If you don't and need to make a claim, it could be rejected and you'd have to pay for medical treatment yourself. If in doubt, contact the insurer before buying.

If you can't find suitable cover, the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) might be able to help. This organisation has set up a directory of insurers who cover customers with pre-existing medical conditions through their brand MoneyHelper. You can also phone MaPS for free, impartial advice on 0800 138 7777.