Martin Lewis issues important travel warning to holidaymakers
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert (MSE), has issued a crucial travel warning for holidaymakers gearing up for the upcoming summer travel season. In the latest newsletter from MSE, travellers are strongly advised to prioritize sorting out their travel insurance before setting foot in an airport. The fundamental rule highlighted by Martin Lewis is to secure travel insurance “As Soon As you Book” (ASAB). Stressing the urgency of this step, the newsletter emphasizes that if you have already made travel arrangements but have not yet purchased insurance, it should be done without delay.
Highlighting the significance of travel insurance, the newsletter underlines that a substantial portion of the insurance cost goes towards safeguarding individuals in case unexpected circumstances, such as illness or other issues, arise and disrupt travel plans. Despite the critical nature of having insurance in place for such situations, data from a social media survey conducted by Martin Lewis revealed that approximately one in five booked travellers have yet to secure travel insurance. One respondent highlighted the immense risk associated with travelling without insurance, recounting a personal experience where a family member was diagnosed with an illness close to their travel date, necessitating trip cancellation. In this case, the lack of insurance resulted in a mere 10% reimbursement, emphasizing the costly repercussions of neglecting to prioritize travel insurance.
Further guidance on the importance of travel insurance is provided on the MoneySavingExpert website by Tony Forchione, MSE’s senior insurance analyst. The comprehensive advice outlines key aspects that good travel insurance should cover, including cancellation due to inability to travel, coverage for Covid-related issues, personal liability protection, coverage for sports, excursions, and other activities, provisions for cutting short a trip (curtailment), protection for baggage and personal belongings, and coverage for medical expenses incurred abroad.
Moreover, holidaymakers with pre-existing health conditions are strongly advised to inform their insurance providers prior to embarking on their travels. Neglecting to disclose such conditions could potentially lead to claim denials in the event of a related issue during the trip. While disclosing medical conditions might seem daunting, it is a necessary step to ensure that individuals are adequately covered in case health issues arise during their travels. Experts emphasize that individuals with medical histories should not be deterred from seeking affordable travel insurance as the primary purpose of such coverage is to provide protection against unforeseen circumstances, including illness, injury, or theft while abroad.
In conclusion, prioritizing travel insurance “As Soon As you Book” is highlighted as a critical and cost-effective measure to safeguard oneself against potential financial risk and disruptions to travel plans. By following this simple yet crucial advice, holidaymakers can ensure peace of mind and financial security during their travels, underscoring the importance of proactive planning and risk management in the realm of travel.