The temptations of hot, sandy beaches and cool ski slopes are luring hordes of winter-weathered customers into travel shops.

Unfortunately, when the holiday arrives these relaxing images can occasionally turn to frustrating realities - cancelled flights, loss of baggage, theft of belongings or medical emergencies.

Although situations like this cannot be prevented there may be some comfort in coverage provided by travel insurance policies.

Travel insurance is available in single-trip or multi-trip policies and the choices of provider have increased considerably since the Package Holiday and Travel Trade Act 1995 forbade compulsory purchase of travel insurance.

There are many providers today including insurers, travel agents, credit-card providers, credit unions, professional associations and health insurers.

Although the Act has prevented many travel agents and package holiday providers from forcing customers to purchase their policies, many agents still need proof of insurance similar or better than the policy they are offering.

In general, single-trip policies offered by providers only cover for an individual journey specified in advance. Multi-trips allow families, or individuals, to go abroad for a set period over several trips.

Usually, a maximum of 30 to 60 days is covered each trip totalling up to 180 days during the policy period. Each policy differs so it is necessary to examine the specifics in relation to your needs.

All travel policies are not the same. "The most important thing when purchasing travel insurance is to establish whether it's suitable for your own particular purposes," says Accident & General Insurance Services, Mr Tom Duffy.

For example, if you are going on a ski holiday check to ensure that the policy covers this activity and that cover is adequate. Holidaymakers with an illness should ask if this precludes them from making a claim and, if possible, get the answer in writing.

Even business travellers going abroad with expensive computer or photographic equipment should examine the policy document to determine if they are covered.

"The value of the policy and its suitability for customers is in the detail," says Mr Duffy. If an individual is uncertain as to the specifics of coverage they should take the policy home to examine it and make an informed decision. Remember that even if you have purchased a policy, a cooling-off period may apply that allows you to back out of the agreement before a certain amount of time has passed if unsatisfied with the service.

Unfortunately, one of the most important aspects of a policy only becomes obvious when it all goes wrong and you need to make a claim. It is extremely important that when a medical emergency or claim situation arises that the insurer is reached quickly and easily and the customer is advised by trained, capable staff. The only way to ensure this ahead of time is to purchase insurance from a reputable company.

If buying through an indirect channel, such as a travel agent or credit union, find out who underwrites the insurance and how claims and emergencies are handled.

"If customers are told not to worry that the policy covers everything, they should be sceptical," says Mr Duffy. No policy covers everything but some sales staff might not have the detailed knowledge to answer questions adequately.

Do not treat travel insurance the same as a generic product. "You're really buying a service when you buy this type of insurance - the quality is based on the people who provide the service," he says.

The level of cover is also important. As a guideline, seek a minimum of £1 million (€1.27 million) to £2 million for medical and personal liability cover; £15,000 to £25,000 personal accident; up to £3,000 for cancellation and curtailment; £5,000 legal expenses; £1,500 to £2,000 baggage loss. Most insurers will not cover the excess or first part of a claim so it is important to establish which items are subject to excess. The typical excess level for Irish travel insurance is £25 to £50.

Travel insurance is increasingly available over the Internet from UK-based companies. Insurance Shopper (www.insurance.ndirect.co.uk) and Worldwide Travel Insurances Ltd. (www.wwtis.co.uk) both offer travel insurance to residents of the Republic of Ireland and display the Which? WebTrader logo. Use of this logo means they have agreed to follow the Which? Consumer Association's code of practice and have been checked by the organisation.