Consumer NZ and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade are offering advice to would-be travellers for the holiday period.

The pair are joining forces to remind Kiwis to take out travel insurance if they're heading overseas for their holidays.

The organisations have produced a plain English guide to travel insurance, which uses real-life stories to illustrate the importance of cover.

'If you suffer a mishap overseas, comprehensive travel insurance can cover your medical expenses and personal liability,” says Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin.

'It can also compensate you if your luggage goes walkabout or you need to alter a travel booking.”

MFAT consular divisional manager Lyndal Walker says New Zealand embassies and consulates can provide assistance if you run into trouble, but travellers need to be aware the Government won't pay their bills.

'If you're heading overseas, it's important you make your own arrangements to meet any unforeseen costs,” says Lyndal.

The guide highlights cases where travellers have faced medical bills for tens of thousands of dollars following mishaps overseas.

In one instance, a passenger on a cruise ship became critically ill and required hospital care. Without cover, he had to pay $60,000 in bills, including the cost of a medical escort for his flight home.

So if you're heading overseas, take these steps to ensure a successful trip.

WHEN PLANNING YOUR TRIP:

Check the MFAT website safetravel.govt.nz for the latest travel advice about your planned destination.

Take out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you finalise your travel arrangements. If you intend on using credit card travel insurance, make sure you meet the requirements for cover before completing your bookings.

Ensure you have the necessary visas and a valid passport. Some countries require passports to be valid six months beyond your visit. Your travel agent or the embassies of the countries you intend to visit or transit through can explain the visa and passport requirements.

Consult a doctor about vaccinations and a medical kit for your planned destinations six to eight weeks before you leave. Some categories of prescription medicines should be carried with a medical certificate signed by a doctor.

BEFORE DEPARTURE:

Register your travel details on safetravel.govt.nz. During a major overseas incident, those registered as being in the vicinity of the incident are contacted first by MFAT to confirm their safety and wellbeing.

Note contact details of the nearest New Zealand embassy, high commission or consulate in your planned destination.

Give a family member or friend your travel information, such as accommodation details and photocopies of your itinerary, passport and certificate of insurance

Prepare a mixture of payment options for your trip, such as a credit card and cash (including foreign currency for your transit and arrival). Ask your bank about your destination's ATM facilities and inform it you'll be using your cards overseas.

To get the Consumer Guide to Travel Insurance, as well as thousands of tests and research articles, see: consumer.org.nz