Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis recently gave some travel advice to Brits as we enter the busiest month of the year for holiday bookings. Lewis warned that the most common mistake he sees each year is holidaymakers forgetting to book travel insurance, which always makes his ‘heart sink’, as it can spell disaster for your summer break.
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Lewis stated in his recent Money Saving Expert newsletter that not booking travel insurance can be devastating for your holiday but also your finances in general as medical expenses abroad could leave you with a huge bill that you'll be paying off for years.
He goes on to explain that it is important to book the travel insurance as soon as you book your flights because it not only covers things going wrong on holiday but also issues with the flight booking before you even leave,as per OK! Magazine:
Each spring without fail, someone asks me a heartbreaking question. Usually they've been diagnosed with cancer or another serious condition that needs long-term treatment, and they won't be able to go on their summer holiday.
Yet the airline won't refund them - within its rights as the ticket is not faulty
£9 a week
Travellers can get insurance for individual holidays from as little as £9 a week but if you’re travelling more than once a year Lewis recommends checking out annual policies, as per OK! Magazine:
If you'll go away at least twice - even if just for weekends - annual policies usually win as they cover virtually all trips.
If you just want a bog-standard no-frills policy - the cheapest range from £12 for individuals in Europe, and from £71 for a family worldwide.
Be sure to check what type of insurance you are booking but in most cases it will cover a range of medical expenses and flight cancellations. For further protection, it is also recommended that you book flexible flights and accommodationand pay for as much as possible using a credit card, as per Money Saving Expert.
Lewis also advises getting the current EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or its replacement, the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card).These mean you receive free medical attention at state hospitals and GPs in the EU or Switzerland for the same price that residents pay.
Sources used:
- OK! Magazine 'Martin Lewis issues crucial travel warning for Brits ahead of booking 2023 holidays'
- Money Saving Expert 'Cheap travel insurance. Get annual cover from £12/year, or less for single-trip cover'
