Should you travel without insurance?

A look at a price comparison website will show the median premium for travel insurance is less than the cost of a swimsuit – at just £20 for one trip. Yet, ABI data shows that the average claim on a travel insurance policy in 2022 came to almost £1,000, with one of the most significant payouts for an emergency amounting to £250,000. Talk about great value!

In her latest column for Insurance Times, our CEO Kelly Ogley highlights the concerning number of people who still travel without insurance. It could be as many as 12 million!

Some people don’t think they need a policy for a short trip, she writes, while others think insurance is too expensive. But not everyone believes this. In fact, what happens more often than not is that many simply forget to sort their holiday cover.

What happens if you travel without insurance?

Sunscreen isn’t the only holiday cover you need. No one wants to see their dream holiday turn into a nightmare of medical bills, lost luggage and cancelled flights.

There also seems to be confusion about what exactly travel insurance policies include and what needs to be disclosed for cover to be valid. One key concern is previous undisclosed medical conditions. Perceptions of what is classed as a ‘previous medical condition’ often vary.

“We find that people with heart conditions or those currently undergoing medical treatment are keen to disclose and understand their cover. But it might not occur to other holidaymakers to mention an asthma flair up, or the diabetes that’s now a forgotten fact of life,” writes Kelly.

Medical conditions aren’t the only misunderstood factor. There’s winter sports, grounded flights and possible cyber-attacks causing airport chaos to bear in mind. But people often don’t know what’s covered by their travel policy, what’s not, and what to do in these emergencies.

If holidaymakers don’t get the right advice when purchasing cover, they’ll end up relying on something that’s part of an existing package, taking out a last-minute policy that isn’t up to scratch or simply not get cover at all.

Kelly continues: “Our job as experts is to turn unwary travellers into seasoned tour guides – ensuring they act early, ask for advice, always read the label. Travel insurance might be the veteran on the industry block, but we mustn’t take holidaymakers for a ride. By doing better by our customers, I suspect we could see a win-win and pina coladas all round.”

Speak to a travel insurance expert

The right travel insurance means that no matter what happens, you can focus on making memories not managing mishaps.

And the best policy is one that fits your unique travel plans and activities. By working with a trusted insurance broker, you shift the responsibilities on their shoulders, leaving you free to adventure with ease.

This is why we champion a personal approach at Howden. We’re here to help you navigate through the complexities of your travel plans, so no detail is overlooked. For more information on travel insurance please give our specialist team a call on 01993 894 700.