If you have access to a wireless hotspot at the airport, train station, or ferry station, you can purchase travel insurance online right up until the time you board. This is good to know if you’ve booked a last minute trip and buying insurance has slipped your mind, but it’s not the ideal way to find cheap travel insurance. In fact, if you do a lot of last minute travelling, whether it’s for business or pleasure, then you should consider buying an annual trip insurance policy so you won’t forget until the last minute and you’re covered all year.

Increasing numbers of travellers buying travel cover at the last minute as they wait for their plane to board has been interpreted by insurance industry representatives as a sign that Brits are doing a lot more last minute travelling, taking advantage of great last minute fares. But if you want to have enough time to compare travel insurance, don’t leave it to the last minute, or even the last two days.

The biggest risk in terms of cost is medical cover while you’re on holiday. Local hospitals and doctors will treat you, but if you have to return home you’ll have to take care of those expenses yourself, and it can cost dearly. Even if you use your EHIC reciprocal medical card, it’s no substitute for travel insurance.