I'm going on holiday in two weeks time and want to ensure my phone is covered if anything were to happen. It isn't covered by my overal holiday insurance, and as it's a "hand me down" from my friend, I have no proof of purchase, anyone able to point me in the right direction?

To be honest are you not better off asking this question of your actual insurer to be 100% sure ?

Rather a lot of phone insurers are a con. Have you checked to see in your phone is covered by your current account at your bank?

Check your house insurance too if you have any. I'm covered for £2000 of unspecified items for any loss, damage or theft anywhere! My laptop will take a terrible fall after another year or so

But then if I have no proof of purchase, will any insurer be able to help? As surely I'd need that to prove it even existed? Without that I'm kinda screwed aren't I?

Well you can provide them the IMEI number so that prove the phone exists. As you say lack of receipt might cause a problem but if you speak to them first you might get some guidance. I suppose your friends doesn't have it ?