Going to the rugby World Cup? Check you're insured

Search: More on travel tips for the rugby World Cup

As Rugby World Cup fevers starts in France, many fans from far and wide across the UK are planning their trip over the channel to cheer on their home nation.

As travel plans are finalised and excitement builds, insurance is likely to be last thing on your mind. However fans are urged to spend a few minutes making sure you have all the necessary insurance in place before you set off to join those large, passionate, alcohol-fuelled crowds.

-- Holiday pursuits to beware

Remember that the comparatively small cost of travel insurance is minimal in comparison to what you could end up paying if disaster strikes while you are abroad.

Cancellation and medical cost can spiral out of control unless you have invested in adequate travel insurance protection.

Never judge a travel insurance policy on price alone. Always check the cover limits and the small print, paying close attention to any exclusions, before you buy. Searching online is the quickest and easiest way to find a relevant and suitable policy for your travelling needs.

For travel to Europe you should remember to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. This entitles you to free or reduced cost state medical treatment if you have an accident or are ill in EU countries plus Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

We all know that rugby tours are notorious on the drinking front but remember to take extra care with yourself and your belongings otherwise you could find out your trip to France costing a lot more than you had bargained for.

Travel insurers are unlikely to pay out on claims if you are found to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the loss, damage or injury.

You also will not get very far in making a cancellation claim just because your team has been knocked out of the tournament!

If you're driving to France...

Anyone who is driving to France should check their car insurance before they set off to make sure they are covered in the event of accident or theft when driving on the other side of the Channel.

To drive in Europe you must have a minimum of third party car insurance. UK car insurers should automatically provide you with this level of cover but if you want fully comprehensive cover on continent make sure you contact your insurer to discuss your options.

If you do break down abroad, the cost of repairing your car or returning to it to the UK is expensive without insurance.

Remember that a European extension to your car insurance does not automatically include breakdown insurance.

-- Are you insured for driving abroad?

By investing in the right insurance rugby fans can enjoy cheering their team on with the peace of mind that should the unthinkable happen they will be covered.

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