Benefits of taking out travel insurance

Published On : 09/08/2021

By Antony Martin, Managing Director at Insurefor

The UK has demonstrated a successful vaccine rollout with 64.6% of the UK population having been fully vaccinated (as of 1^st September 2021). While this, combined with more destinations being added to the green list, is positive news we cannot be complacent because taking out the correct type of travel insurance policy is still extremely important for people who are booking trips for the remainder of 2021 and 2022.

The current situation is still unpredictable with the rapid spread of the Delta variant and case numbers remaining relatively high, so COVID-protection travel insurance is essential. Consumers should make sure their chosen policy includes pre-departure cover for cancellation if they test positive for COVID-19 (even if this is at the airport) and cannot travel as well as emergency medical care and repatriation should they contract the virus whilst travelling. It should also include cover if customers are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace system and they are told to self-isolate within 14 days of their trip.  While some holiday companies are offering the chance for customers to rebook if they are ‘pinged’ before they’re due to go on holiday, some do not so it is essential to have a travel insurance policy in place that provides this type of cover. Our Insurefor policies include cover for all of these scenarios.

As more countries are being added to the green list, there are more opportunities for Brits to travel to a range of destinations – particularly in Europe – this summer which is extremely positive for the travel industry as it will help increase consumer confidence around travel. For holidaymakers looking to book last-minute trips to these destinations, it is essential that they purchase their travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure they fully covered ahead of their trip. Over the last month, we’ve seen an increase in people who need to claim or cancel their trips due to rising COVID cases and also people abroad who have been told to self-isolate, so travel insurance is a necessity.

It is also vital for people to take out travel insurance for staycations to ensure they are covered for cancellation and curtailment in case the UK goes back into lockdown or they are told by the NHS Test and Trace app to self-isolate ahead of their trip. It is important to take out travel insurance for a staycation under normal circumstances to cover various issues such as cancellation, curtailment in case the holidaymaker has to cut their staycation short, transport delays, lost or stolen luggage and personal liability to cover legal expenses if they’re held responsible for causing damages or injury to another person while on holiday. Our rules for self-isolation apply to UK trips as well as abroad.

We appreciate that choosing the right travel insurance policy can be confusing. My advice to consumers is to always purchase travel insurance from a reputable, trustworthy company and check online reviews of the product. It is key not to always choose a policy based on price as many cheaper policies have very high excesses which can work out more expensive if people need to make a claim.

It is important now more than ever for travellers to read and understand exactly what they are covered for to ensure they choose the policy that is right for them and will protect them from any COVID-19 related issues.

Consumers should make sure they buy a travel insurance policy that offers free amendments, so if their holiday plans change they can move their cover. We know that choosing the right type of travel insurance can seem like a minefield, particularly in the current climate, so we have created a robust product which clearly states what is and is not included in the form of a checklist on our website – www.insurefor.com. Consumers must remember to book travel insurance at the same time as they book their holiday to ensure they are covered both pre-departure and during their trip.

While all holidaymakers hope that they won’t have to cancel or postpone their holidays or make a claim, it is too risky not to take out the correct type of travel insurance required for a trip in the UK or abroad. It is hugely beneficial for consumers to read the small print so they can rest assured that they are fully covered for any issue relating to COVID as well as general protection against loss of possession, transport delays etc.

For further information about Insurefor please visit: www.insurefor.com

Wanda Rich

Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.