Wherever you are going on holiday, whether it's a short hop across the channel or you are venturing further afield, it pays to be prepared. Being prepared doesn't just mean packing plenty of sun cream, your swimsuit and the latest summer block buster - there are more important things you need to think about, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Buying travel insurance with cover for pre-existing medical conditions is a vital part of your preparation; ideally you should buy travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday so that you have cancellation cover in place immediately to protect your money. You will need to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when you buy travel insurance to make sure you are covered if fall ill overseas.

Another important thing to remember, if you suffer from a pre-existing medical condition, is to pack enough medication to last for the whole trip and it's also a good idea to take some spares.

Three important numbers to know - save them in your phone!

In addition to buying travel insurance cover and packing enough medication, there are three important phone numbers that you should take with you when you travel abroad. It's a good idea to save these numbers in your mobile phone or carry them in your hand luggage.

• Travel insurance 24 hour emergency medical assistance line

  When you buy travel insurance, regardless of whether you have pre-existing medical conditions to be covered or not, you will be provided with a 24 hour emergency medical assistance phone number, you should carry this with you at all times whilst you are on holiday, you never know when you might need it.

  Emergency medical support will be available on this number 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They will be able to help you get the medical treatment you need as well as authorising treatment and confirming your travel insurance cover to the local hospital.

• Travelling to the EU? 112 is the number to remember

  112 is the number you need to dial to reach the local emergency services anywhere within the EU. If you are in any EU member state, instead of dialling 999, as you would in the UK to reach the police, fire or ambulance service, you can dial 112 to be connected to the appropriate local emergency service.

• British consular assistance support service

  Another number which could be invaluable when you travel abroad is the British Consular Assistance Team. Call them on 020 7008 1500 (+44 20 7008 1500 from abroad). The British Consular Service will be able to help you with lost passports and contact friends or family in the event that you are hospitalised abroad or become a victim of crime.

Whenever you travel abroad, no matter where you are going, or how long you are going for, buy comprehensive travel insurance with cover for medical conditions, carry the emergency contact numbers with you at all times and if you are in the EU, remember 112.

Once you are properly prepared you can relax and have a great holiday.