Holidaymakers ‘unsure’ over travel insurance needs

Hiscox research has indicated some holidaymakers are ignoring the need to take out travel insurance.

Holidaymakers booking flights to Australia and other exotic destinations may be putting themselves at risk if they do not take out a travel insurance policy for their trip.

According to Hiscox, almost one in five (19 per cent) British holidaymakers fail to purchase a policy as they either believe their health insurance covers them, are unaware of the need to or just do not bother.

Insurance expert at the firm Colin Wallace said there is a “worrying degree of complacency” regarding travel insurance and urged holidaymakers to take time to “to think through your travel plans and what type of cover you need”.

There is also confusion regarding protection of luggage, with one in ten admitting they are unsure or have not investigated whether their current policy covers them if their baggage is lost or stolen or valuables are damaged.

The foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends all travellers take out appropriate insurance an notes it should apply for the duration of the holiday and be applicable to activities not covered by standard policies, such as jet skiing or use of quad bikes.

Written by Erin Marshall

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