From when and where to purchase insurance and disclosing medical conditions to understanding whether you need to purchase baggage cover, Aviva’s Kelly Whittington, Director of Travel Claims, sets the record straight when it comes to making sure you’re protected this half term:
1) I don’t need to purchase insurance until the day of my holiday
WRONG! Research by Aviva shows that 8% of Brits plan to purchase their insurance a week before their holiday, with a further 4% planning to do so while at the airport, train, bus or ferry station1. Leaving it to the last minute or en route means that you could have your claim rejected. This is because you technically need to have insurance in place before you leave your home to make a claim.
Leaving it until the day of your holiday also means that you won’t be protected in the lead up to your trip. For example, in the unfortunate event you were to become unwell or have a bereavement and wanted to cancel, travel insurance could reimburse you for any unrecoverable costs such as pre-booked accommodation and flights. According to our data, the average cost of cancelling a holiday last year was £7532 and so by taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday, it will give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected both in the lead up to your trip and while away.
2) Travel insurance only covers you for trips abroad
WRONG! In the event you became unwell, for example, and needed to cancel your trip, travel insurance can provide cover for any unused travel and accommodation both abroad and in the UK. For holidays in the UK, most travel insurance policies will cover pre-booked holiday accommodation of two nights or more, so it’s worth reviewing your policy documents to see if you are protected..
3) A travel policy means I am covered anywhere in the world
IT DEPENDS! Although most insurers will offer policies for European or Worldwide cover, there can be some variation when it comes to the countries covered under these terms. For example, some policies may offer worldwide cover which excludes the USA, Canada and Caribbean Islands and others may have certain criteria when it comes to which countries are classed as being in Europe. Checking your policy documents to see which countries are covered will only take a few minutes, but it could save you thousands of pounds if you need to make a claim.
Furthermore, if the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to the destination you’re visiting, but you decide to travel anyway, you’re unlikely to be able to make a claim, should you require things like medical treatment or assistance while abroad. Rules change frequently, so it’s worth keeping an eye on both the government website and local government services for any particular advice before you travel.
- Travel insurance automatically covers my children, regardless of their age
IT DEPENDS! According to Aviva claims data, under 10s are three times as likely to have a travel claim than those aged 21-30 years-old3 – who are also the least likely to claim over summer – which is why it’s important to make sure children are protected while away. Most holidaymakers should be able to add their children to their policy as a named traveller, however there can be an age limit – and certain other criteria – that can apply. For example, with some insurers, the named child (children) will need to travel with the parent in order to be covered, so it’s always worth checking with your insurer if you have plans to travel separately. Most age limits tend to be 18 and under, although this can increase to 25 in some cases.
5) An annual travel policy protects me for a year
TRICK QUESTION! An annual policyis designed for people who frequently travel and provides cover for multiple trips taken over the 12 months the policy is in force. Just be aware that most policies will provide cover for up to a maximum of 30/31 days per trip, so if you plan to go away longer than this, you may need to contact your insurer to get a trip extension.
6) Travel insurance automatically covers all my possessions
IT DEPENDS! Baggage cover usually covers your personal belongings and baggage during your trip if they’re lost, stolen or damaged. In some cases this is included as standard, but can often be added onto the policy for a fee. It’s worth noting that baggage cover will not cover you if your belongings (including cash) are left unattended, so if it’s important to you, either keep it on you or find somewhere to lock it away safe. All policies will have single item limits and you may need specific insurance for expensive items such as jewellery or sports equipment.
It’s also worth looking at your existing home insurance policy to see if you have personal belongings cover, which could insure your items outside of the home, anywhere in the world. Doing so could prevent you from needing to purchase additional travel insurance for your belongings.
7) All policies include cover for cruises as standard
WRONG! Although cruises can be covered as standard in some policies, this isn’t always the case and varies amongst insurers. Depending on your policy, you may need to purchase an additional add on or upgrade, known as ‘cruise cover’ which will protect you against travel risks specific to cruises such as missed ports. If ever in doubt, contact your insurer directly.
8) I don’t need to disclose an illness I have recovered from
WRONG! When it comes to your health – or the health of anyone else on your policy – it’s really important to speak to your insurer regarding any existing/ pre-existing medical conditions or ongoing medical investigations. In some instances, insurers ask to be notified of any health changes between taking out insurance and travelling, or at renewal in case this affects your cover. Every insurer has different requirements and so if you’re ever in doubt, it’s worth speaking with them to clarify.
9) Travel insurance will cover me for any scams
WRONG! Though travel insurance protects you for a range of instances,booking scams are unfortunately not covered under most travel policies. There are lots of helpful guides to help travellersbe vigilant when booking a trip away.
10) Travel insurance covers me for sporting activities
IT DEPENDS! It’s always good to read through the policy details to see if it provides cover for selected sports on your upcoming trip. Although some policies won’t cover you for more dangerous sports such as paragliding, scuba diving and winter sports, the good news is that you can usually add this on to your policy for a fee.