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NEW research from ABTA reveals that more than half of UK adults travelling overseas in the next 12 months see travel insurance as more important following the conflict in the Middle East.
When asked if the conflict in the Middle East had impacted on how important travel insurance was to them, 58 per cent said it was more important.
Families with a child under five years old were the most likely to have said travel insurance was more important at 76 per cent, yet they lagged behind when it came to already having booked insurance for a trip they had planned in the next 12 months, at 53 per cent, compared to 81 per cent of over 45 years old with no kids at home.
ABTA has always advised that people have travel insurance in place either before, or at the time of booking their trip, as this can ensure that cover is in place in case they need to cancel due to an unexpected change in circumstances, such as illness or losing their job.
Buying a good quality policy that covers all activities whilst away is very important as is always telling the insurance company about any pre-existing medical conditions, as failure to do so may invalidate cover.
Although, reassuringly, 69 per cent told ABTA that they already had travel insurance in place, 25 per cent replied that although they intended to take out a policy, they had not yet done so, leaving themselves potentially at risk.
Unfortunately, 5% told ABTA they had no intention of taking out travel insurance with 18-24 year olds the most likely to take the risk at 9%.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association, said: “The conflict in the Middle East is increasingly making people look for the reassurance and cover offered by travel insurance.
“Travel insurance, plus the protection and assistance provided by travelling on a package holiday with an ABTA member, represent the gold standard for customers looking to book and travel with confidence.
“In an increasingly volatile world, we strongly recommend arranging appropriate travel insurance at the time of booking — as this can provide cancellation protection, subject to the terms and level of cover selected.”
Sarah Taylor, Director Consular and Crisis at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, said: “We want British travellers to have the best possible experience overseas this summer. Taking out appropriate travel insurance as soon as you book can help protect you if things don’t go to plan.
“Before you travel – read the latest FCDO Travel Advice and check your policy includes your destination, planned activities, and any pre-existing medical conditions. And have a great trip!”
For further advice and top tips on taking out travel insurance go to Travel insurance | ABTA
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