Rough Guides now offer their own travel insurance , customized for our readers by a leading UK broker and backed by a Lloyds underwriter. It's available for anyone, of any nationality, travelling anywhere in the world, and we are convinced that this is the best-value scheme you'll find.

There are two main Rough Guide insurance plans: Essential , for effective, no-frills cover, starting at £11.75 for 2 weeks; and Premier - more expensive but with more generous and extensive benefits. Each offer European or Worldwide cover, and can be supplemented with a "Hazardous Activities Premium" if you plan to indulge in sports considered dangerous, such as skiing, scuba-diving or trekking. Unlike many policies, the Rough Guides schemes are calculated by the day, so if you're travelling for 27 days rather than a month, that's all you pay for. You can alternatively take out annual multi-trip insurance , which covers you for all your travel throughout the year (with a maximum of 60 days for any one trip).

For a policy quote , call the Rough Guides Insurance Line on UK freefone 0800/015 0906, or, if you're calling from outside Britain on (+44) 1243 621 046. Alternatively, get an online quote at www.roughguides.com/insurance .