Unvaccinated holidaymakers blackballed by insurance firms

UNVACCINATED travellers may struggle to make travel insurance claims as they have been excluded by more than a fifth of policies, research has shown.

Consumer ratings agency Defaqto has warned that 22 per cent of policies, including from providers such as Virgin Money and Sainsbury’s Bank, exclude travellers without two jabs.

Unvaccinated travellers who catch Covid abroad, and those unable to travel because of a positive test, may not be able to claim compensation. Some policies are also unclear as to unvaccinated children, as those aged five and over can get jabs. Defaqto said this may mean claims are unfairly rejected.

In England, 16,000 children aged between five and 11, and 1.7 million of those aged between 12 and 17, have had two vaccines, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

Virgin Money said its cover excluded any unvaccinated child over five. A spokesman added: “The current advice on the NHS website states children ages five and above are being invited to be vaccinated. As this is a continuously changing landscape we are continuing to monitor this situation.”

About 3 per cent of outdated policies exclude Covid cover for over-40s, as this was the only age group able to get jabs at the time. Anna-marie Duthie, of Defaqto, said: “If you have not been vaccinated and are planning to travel, it is vital to check exactly what you are covered for before you set off.”

Sainsbury’s Bank was approached for comment.