travel insurance

After the 'Barbeque summer' that never was and the incessant weeks of snow and ice, getting away from it all is a priority for 2010, with 64% of potential holidaymakers looking to take a holiday abroad this year.

However, a quarter of adults planning a holiday (25%) admitted they will be spending less than in previous years, according to research by Aviva. More worryingly, almost a third (31%) confessed that they would either not be taking out any travel insurance or were undecided about purchasing it.

Of those thrifty travellers that are planning to spend less on their main holiday this year many agreed they are planning to be cash careful by:

• Setting a limit on the amount of spending money they have each day of their holiday (62%)
• Not treating themselves to any new holiday clothes (45%)
• Going self catering (41%)
• Cutting back on eating out while on holiday (40%)
• Looking for a late deal cheaper holiday (31%).

While 31% of those going on holiday and looking to save money said they would seek out a bargain holiday by booking late, 30% of travellers will wait to book their holiday until only one or two months before they go and  48% said whilst they would take out travel insurance it would not be when they booked their holiday.

Travel insurance tips

Organise your insurance policy as soon as you have booked your trip
If you don’t and something suddenly happens such as a relative being taken ill, causing you to cancel your holiday, you won’t be covered if you haven’t taken out travel insurance, even if the holiday is in the UK.

Tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical problems
If you don’t tell them your claim could be invalid which means you would have to cover all of the costs of your medical treatment.

Know your rights if your plane is cancelled or delayed
As a general rule travel insurance is not responsible for getting you to and from your holiday destination – that is the job of the airline or tour operator. Under EU regulations for air passenger rights, all airlines departing from an airport in an EU member state have responsibilities to assist you if your flight is cancelled or delayed. Insurance can also provide cover in the event of a delay.

Transport problems
If you miss your flight due to car or public transport problems check your travel insurance will cover you.

A bargain is not always the best choice!
Some insurance policies may seem like a bargain but if the one you choose doesn’t meet your needs or offer adequate cover in the event of a claim, it’s not a bargain.

The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, it is complementary to it
The EHIC (formally the E111) entitles you to state-provided emergency medical treatment in European Economic Area countries. The treatment available does vary between countries and it may not cover all the treatment costs (or any repatriation costs) so full travel insurance is essential.

Check out Defaqto's travel insurance guide for more handy tips.