The flights are booked, the accommodation is paid for and the day trips are planned. All that is left is to pack the bags and find the passports. When it comes to holidays, though, booking travel insurance is a job that can sometimes be put on the backburner. Irish Country Living has researched the best deals for you so it’s just a matter of click and go.

Comparing nine different insurers that provide travel options to Irish consumers, we found that AA Ireland is, once again, the cheapest.

Quotes were obtained for the Murphy family. With two adults and two teenagers, we looked at yearlong insurance, both in Europe and worldwide. At €43.59 for European cover and €67.59 for worldwide cover they were coming in streets ahead of some competitors.

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However, when it comes to insurance, price is only one element of the equation. In our comparison, we also assessed six variables that policy holders are likely to claim for: medical cover, personal property, a single property item limit, baggage delay, delay and cancellation.

When it comes to cancellation costs, you really need to think about what your insurance company is covering you for. InsureandGo, for example, will cover cancellation costs of up to €6,000.

Compare that to 123.ie where you are only covered for €1,500. This is especially important if 2016 is the year where the family has splashed out for that once in a lifetime holiday to Disney World or further afield.

If you do have to get medical cover, how much do you want to pay on excess fees? With 123.ie, for example, you will pay €150 excess for medical cover up to the value of €3m. For an excess of just €75 though, Multitrip.com will cover you up to €20m. That’s a huge difference on the money that they pay out and you pay up.

In our research, we also noted that 123.ie does not cover you for personal property loss, whereas all the other insurers will. AA Ireland, InsureandGo, Multitrip.com and AIG all cover you up to €2,000 for an excess of €75 (AIG even have a cheaper excess of €70).

Families need to be really careful when packing expensive items for their holidays. You may be bringing your fancy camera or iPad and most will be bringing their pricey smartphones.

However, your insurance policy isn’t going to cover you for much if any of these items get lost or stolen. For loss of a single item, the most you will get back is €330 from Allianz. Others, such as Laya and Aviva, will give you €250 – but note that you will have to pay an excess of €90 meaning, realistically, you’re only getting €160 back in your pocket.

Finally, make sure to read the small print, especially if heading away for a little longer than your average holiday. While AA Ireland allows you to take unlimited trips throughout the year, the maximum they will cover you for on an individual holiday is 31 days. If you’re thinking of heading on an extended break, Allianz gives you the option to pick either between a 35-, 60- or 90-day stay but note, you will pay the difference in price, as costs jump from €88.98 for 35 days to €133.47 for 90 days in Europe.

Travel insurance tips

What are the key things you need to bear in mind when taking out travel insurance? We asked the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) for their top tips.

1. I already have health and home insurance. Do I really need travel insurance as well?

If you have a private health insurance policy, you may already be covered for illness and injury while abroad. But remember, you won’t be covered for things such as delayed luggage, cancelled flights, delayed departure, loss or theft of money. If you have a home-insurance policy, check whether you have cover for personal valuables lost, damaged or stolen outside of the home. This cover is normally an optional extra on your home insurance policy and is referred to as “all-risks” cover. It normally covers items taken abroad for up to 60 days.

2. When should I take out my travel insurance?

As soon as you book your holiday. Many people put the start date of their policy down as the date their holiday begins, instead of the date the holiday was booked. This can be a problem if you have to cancel the holiday. In these circumstances, the insurer may refuse to pay any cancellation costs because the policy cover hasn’t started.

3. Once I get travel insurance, is there anything else I need to consider?

If you are travelling in Europe you should apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to free or reduced cost state-provided healthcare when visiting an EU country, EEA country, Switzerland and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. You can apply for an EHIC on the HSE website: www.hse.ie

4. I have a pre-existing medical condition. Will my travel insurance cover me?

Most travel insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions (suffered by you or any immediate relatives travelling with you). However, if you tell the insurer before you go and they accept that risk, then you are covered. The insurer can, however, refuse you cover for certain illnesses or charge you a higher premium. If a doctor advises you not to travel and you do, you may not be able to claim if something goes wrong.

5. What do I do if I have to make a claim?

Bring a copy of your travel insurance documents with you when you go abroad so you know what cover you have. If you do have a problem while away, let your insurer know what has happened as soon as possible.

Your insurer will normally have an emergency helpline, so save the number into your phone. Give them a brief description of the claim and ask what you need to do next. Get exactly what you need so you can make a claim when you come home.

For example, they may want a report from the local police and need it in English. Hold on to all receipts and documents as these will support your claim.