Ere we go all the way to South Africa

Tour operators say they are expecting thousands of fans to book packages to the World Cup in South Africa since England's place in the Finals was confirmed by the team's 5-1 against Croatia last week.

With match ticket-inclusive package prices starting at £2,500, it's vital that fans remember to book worldwide travel insurance to make sure they don't risk losing their hard-earned cash.

Worldwide travel insurance will provide them with cancellation cover in case they are unable to follow their team to South Africa next year, plus the reassurance of full medical cover in case of an emergency while they are away.

Comprehensive worldwide travel insurance will also provide protection for their belongings ? including valuables such as the digital cameras, which will hopefully capture the winning goals, and mobile phones used to call friends back home with the results.

Thomas Cook Sport has packages that include return flights, accommodation and one match ticket, starting at £2,499.

Thomson Sport has four-night packages starting at £2,500, which includes flights, B&B accommodation, transfers, one match ticket and a safari experience.

It is not necessary for fans to buy worldwide travel insurance from their tour operator or travel agency. Cheaper travel insurance is available online, but everyone should buy cover as soon as possible after making their travel arrangements in case they need to cancel.

Those making their own travel arrangements, booking flights and accommodation separately, may need Scheduled Airline Failure cover in addition to worldwide travel insurance.

Scheduled Airline Failure ? available as an optional extra to clients booking worldwide travel insurance ? will provide cover against the collapse of an airline in the likely event that there is no other protection in place.

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