Is ticket insurance worth the cost?
At 9am last Saturday, a reported seven million people went online to try and buy Oasis tickets. And it left a significant proportion looking back in anger, as the site crashed, the queue dragged on, and prices skyrocketed.
If you were one of the lucky ones who managed to get tickets, you’ll be buzzing with excitement. But with hotel costs tripling in some locations, you may be considering getting your trip insured.
And crucially, some have been asking what happens if the Gallagher sibling rift resumes. Would you get your money back if they split up again? Let’s explore what event insurance actually covers, and whether it’s worth the cost.
What does event insurance cover?
When you buy gig tickets online, you’ll often come through to a page offering you event insurance. But what does it actually do?
Event insurance typically covers unforeseen circumstances like illness, accidents, or severe weather that prevent you from attending. It can also cover cancellations or postponements by the event organiser. However, you must check the specific policy details, as coverage varies between providers.
The benefits include:
Peace of mind – you know you’re covered for unexpected events, whether that’s from your own personal life and circumstances, or the artist or venue.
Refunds – if something beyond your control prevents you from attending, you won’t lose out financially.
Flexible coverage – some policies offer protections for unforeseen illness or travel disruptions.
Of course, there are considerations to bear in mind. Some insurance policies only cover certain types of events or the tickets purchased through their platform.
And there can be exclusions from the policy. Something like changing your mind or work commitments likely won’t qualify for a refund on a policy. But some types of cover might not include other scenarios involving the venue or artist.
As always, read the fine print before you purchase! Otherwise, you might find yourself paying an extra 10-15% of the ticket price for a policy that fades away and doesn’t actually protect much at all.
When is ticket insurance worth the price?
There are a few situations where it’s worth paying a little extra to have the right cover in place. For example, when the ticket prices are high, it’s well worth protecting your investment.
What’s more, if you’re having to travel to the concert then insurance could be worth the additional costs. Long distance travel is an extra stress for you before the concert. So if it gets cancelled, then you may also lose out on travel expenses and accommodation costs on top of your gig ticket!
Lastly, take your health into consideration. If you know that illness is more likely for you for wider health reasons and it could threaten your chances of actually attending, then insurance could be a good option.
Does ticket insurance cover the band splitting up?
When buying through Ticketmaster, you’ll likely get offered Event Ticket Protector Insurance, which covers a range of circumstances like those discussed above. But it’s important to note that this insurance does not cover event cancellations due to the band’s split or other decisions made by the organisers.
However, don’t panic! Ticketmaster has a clear policy that if an event is cancelled and not rescheduled, then it will refund the ticket purchase to the original payment method used at checkout. And that includes any service charges you also paid on top of the ticket (though not necessarily delivery costs).
So, if Oasis can’t make it work until 2025 then there’s gonna be a day that they’re gonna to throw it back to you. AKA you’ll get your money back!
Do you need travel insurance for a UK trip?
Travel insurance covers you financially if something happens to you while you’re away or before you travel. This could include the costs of cancelling your trip if you become ill and can’t go, the costs of emergency medical treatment whilst you’re away, or if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen during your trip.
Despite being on home turf, you can still encounter problems when you holiday in the UK – even if it’s just for a long weekend or a night away.
Your specific travel plan will, ultimately, dictate the travel insurance coverage you’ll get. By working with a specialist broker and explaining the details of your travel plans and those who need to be covered, then you can find a bespoke policy which is most tailored to your needs.
Cover for your next trip
Maybe you didn’t manage to get tickets this time around. But don’t worry, there’s plenty happening at a Howden Insurance branch near you. From our book and boot exchanges, to family fun days, to prize giveaways, don’t miss out – simply search Howden Insurance and find your local branch.
If you’re heading off on an adventure soon, whether it’s a UK staycation or a long weekend for a concert, our branch teams are here to help.
Sources: Ticketmaster, York Times, Sky News
