Ensure a great holiday when you insure in time
AS THE weather starts to close in for winter it seems that many of us are fed up with it already and are thinking ahead to where we are going to go on our summer holidays next year.
Some research from Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance suggests that more than five million of us have already booked our holiday for next year, with almost half of that number having booked a beach break, while a quarter of holidaymakers prefer to spend their time on a city break and just over 10 per cent are going on a cruise.
While consumers may be early birds when it comes to booking their holiday, they’re not as organised when it comes to their travel insurance. Although some book their holidays 20 weeks in advance, the average traveller gets round to sorting their travel insurance only three months before their trip. Incredibly, more than 10 per cent never take out travel insurance at all, which could leave them with real problems should they become ill while on holiday.
Waiting for a good deal or special offer was the reason a quarter of UK adults hold off buying travel insurance while more than 10 per cent claimed they hadn’t had the time.
Karen Hogg, head of insurance at Sainsbury’s Bank said. “Leaving your travel insurance until the last minute is a risky strategy as travellers could end up uninsured and out of pocket if they have to cancel their trip.
“Travel insurance usually covers cancellations if a travelling companion becomes seriously unwell, a relative dies or you’re made redundant.”
If you’re a frequent traveller, it could be a clever idea to buy an annual policy as it could work out costing less in the long run. If you’ve going to get involved in hazardous sports while you’re away make sure you have that covered as well.