If you fall ill, the bills can mount up rapidly, so some form of insurance - preferably including air evacuation in the event of serious emergency - is essential. Even with insurance most Peruvian clinics will insist on cash up front except in really serious hospital cases, so some emergency cash is a good idea. Keep all receipts and official papers, so that you can make a claim when you get back home

North American cover
Canadians are usually covered for medical mishaps overseas by their provincial health plans, while holders of official student/teacher/youth cards are entitled to accident coverage and hospital in-patient benefits. Students will often find that their student health cover extends during the vacations and for one term beyond the date of last enrolment, while homeowners' or renters' insurance often covers theft or loss of documents, money and valuables while overseas, though conditions and maximum amounts vary.

British cover
Most travel agents and tour operators will offer you insurance policies when you book your flight or holiday. These are usually reasonable value, though as ever, you should check the small print. If you feel the cover is inadequate, or want to compare prices, any travel agent, insurance broker or bank should be able to help. If you have a good "all risks" home insurance policy it may well cover your possessions against loss or theft when overseas, and many private medical schemes also cover you when abroad - make sure you know the procedure and the helpline number.

Australian and New Zealand cover
Comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical expenses and loss or theft of bags or cash is available from most travel agents or direct from insurance companies, for periods ranging from a few days to a year or even longer. Most policies are similar in premium and coverage. A typical policy covering medical costs, lost baggage and personal liability for the Americas, including Peru, starts at about A$120/NZ$140 for two weeks, A$190/NZ$220 for one month, A$300/ NZ$375 for two months and A$390/NZ$490 for three months. These are over-the-counter prices; you could save up to 25 percent booking over the Internet. Check the policy if you intend to do any adventure sports, such as mountaineering, as you will usually need to take out extra cover for these.

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