While most travel policies cover the same basic set of risks, with the main choice being the cover limits and excess levels, there are a host of optional extras on the market. Here's our guide to which are worth considering, which are a must, and which are more of an added luxury.

Golf Cover

Not all insurers sell this as a specific add-on, but they may still provide the same service. The main element of golf cover is protection against your clubs being lost or stolen while away or on your journey; this may be covered by your main policy, but the clubs may exceed a single item limit. Other factors you may wish to get covered are the risk of missing out on games if you get injured (particularly if you've paid green fees in advance), and the risk of weather making play impossible. Be aware that neither of these are likely to be standard options, so you may have to hunt for specialist cover, and the premiums could be comparatively high.

Winter Sports

As with golf, this covers lost and stolen equipment. It will usually also cover against injury (which a standard policy usually won't), though you may be restricted to on-piste activities; bear in mind that any form of heavy or excessive drinking will usually invalidate a policy. One good thing about winter sports cover is that it often includes a payout if bad weather makes it impossible to take part in the scheduled activities.

Wedding Cover

If you are traveling abroad to get hitched, this can often be a must. What's covered varies immensely, but some common elements include the loss or theft of wedding dresses, suits and the all-important rings.

Holiday Guard

This is a slightly complicated, but rather neat optional extra. In return for a little higher premium, the insurer will cover some or all of your excess payment on a home or car insurance policy if you have to make a claim for something that happens while you are on holiday, such as a break-in or flood.

Kennel Fees

Some insurers will make a contribution towards extra kennel or cattery fees if your journey home is substantially delayed. This is a nice bonus if it's added on without charge, but given the sums involved, it's not usually worth paying extra for.

Business Cover

This reflects the fact that somebody on a business trip is likely to be carrying more valuable items than if they were on holiday, and these items may exceed the limits for an ordinary policy. Look carefully to see exactly what is covered: for example, you may need a policy to cover the costs of commercial samples, which can soon mount up. Another thing to look for is the often hefty cost of emergency courier services to replace something that's lost or stolen.

For more tips and ways to find the best travel insurance at the best price visit UK Insurance Index at http://www.uk-insurance-index.co.uk.