…according to the insurance company.
From knowing when and where to buy insurance to disclosing a medical condition to understanding whether you need to buy baggage cover, Kelly Whittington, director of travel insurance claims at Aviva, has definitely Clear records to ensure protection.
1. You do not need to purchase insurance until the day of your vacation.
Wrong! Aviva research shows that 8% of Brits plan to buy insurance a week before their holiday, with a further 4% planning to buy at the airport, train, bus or ferry1. If you leave it until the last minute or halfway through, your application may be rejected. This is because you technically need to have insurance before you leave your home to file a claim.
If you leave it until your vacation date, you won’t be protected until your trip. For example, if you have the misfortune to cancel due to illness or bereavement, travel insurance can cover non-recoverable costs such as pre-booked accommodation and flights. Our data shows that the average cost of canceling a holiday last year was £7,532. So taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday will give you peace of mind that you’re protected ahead of your trip. Whether you’re traveling or on the go.
2. Travel insurance only covers international travel.
Wrong! For example, if you become unwell and have to cancel your trip, travel insurance will cover your unused travel and accommodation costs abroad and within the UK. For holidays in the UK, most travel insurance will cover pre-booked accommodation for two or more nights, so it’s worth reviewing your policy documents to see if you’re protected.
3. Travel insurance means you’re covered anywhere in the world
it depends! Most insurance companies offer European or worldwide coverage, but there may be some differences as to which countries are covered under these terms. For example, some policies cover the entire world except the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands, and others have specific criteria for which countries are classified as European. It only takes a few minutes to check your policy documents to see which countries are covered, but it could save you thousands of pounds if you need to make a claim.
Additionally, if you still decide to travel despite the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) advice not to travel to any destination, you may be unable to make an insurance claim for medical expenses or other medical expenses. There’s a good chance you won’t be able to. Treatment and assistance overseas. Regulations change frequently, so it’s important to keep an eye on both government websites and local government services for specific advice before traveling.
4. Children are automatically covered by travel insurance, no matter their age
it depends! According to Aviva claims data, under-10s are three times more likely to make a travel insurance claim than people aged 21-303, which is why they are least likely to make a claim during the summer. You are protected while you are away. Most vacationers should be able to add children to their insurance policy as named travelers, but age restrictions and other specific criteria may apply. For example, some insurance companies require named children to travel with their parents in order to be covered, so it’s always worth checking with your insurance company if you plan to travel separately. Most age restrictions are 18 years or younger, but some may be as low as 25 years.
5. Get 1 year of protection with annual travel insurance
Trick question! Annual insurance is designed for frequent travelers and provides coverage for multiple trips taken during a 12-month period in which the policy is valid. Most insurance policies offer up to 30/31 days of cover per trip, so if you plan to travel beyond this you will need to contact your insurance company to obtain an extension of your trip. Please note that there may be cases.
6. Travel insurance automatically covers all my belongings
it depends! A baggage cover typically covers your personal belongings and baggage if they are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. In some cases this is included as standard, but in many cases it can be added to your insurance for a fee. Please note that the baggage cover will not cover you if you leave your belongings (including cash) unattended. So if that’s important to you, keep a baggage cover on you or find a safe place to store it. All insurance policies have single-item limits, and high-value items such as jewelry or sporting equipment may require specific coverage.
It’s also worth checking your existing home insurance policy to see if it has personal effects cover, which allows you to insure your belongings outside your home or anywhere in the world. By doing so, you may not need to purchase additional travel insurance for your belongings.
7. All insurance policies include cruise coverage as standard
Wrong! While some insurance policies may cover cruises as standard, this is not always the case and varies by insurance company. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be required to purchase an additional add-on or upgrade called “cruise cover.” This protects you from cruise-specific travel risks, such as missing a port of call. If you have any questions, please contact your insurance company directly.
8. There is no need to disclose the illness you have recovered from.
Wrong! When it comes to your health or the health of others covered by your insurance, it is very important to consult your insurance company about any existing/existing medical conditions or ongoing medical investigations. In some cases, your insurance company will require you to notify us of any changes in your health between the time you take out your policy and your trip, or at the time of renewal in case it affects your coverage. Each insurance company has different requirements, so if in doubt it’s worth speaking to your insurance company for clarification.
9. Travel insurance covers all kinds of fraud.
Wrong! Travel insurance covers a lot of things, but booking fraud is unfortunately not covered by most travel insurance policies. There are many guides available to help travelers take care when booking a trip.
10. Travel insurance covers sports activities
it depends! We recommend reading your insurance details carefully to see if your chosen sport will be covered for your upcoming trip. Some policies won’t cover more dangerous sports like paragliding, scuba diving, or winter sports, but the good news is that you can usually add this to your policy for a fee.
～End～
References:
1. This survey was conducted between March 6, 2014 and March 24, 2014, using the entire national census, targeting 2,002 nationally representative consumers (18 years of age or older). Census Entire complies with and employs members of the Market Research Association, follows the MRS Code of Conduct based on the ESOMAR Principles, and is a member of the British Opinion Research Council.
2. Aviva claims data taken from 2023
3. Aviva claims data taken from July-September 2019 to 2024
