CAR INSURANCE NEWS UPDATE SERIES

Last year, around 2.5 million Britons put themselves at risk, and travelled abroad without arranging travel insurance¹. But, according to a study by swiftcover.com, the UK’s first and only 100% online insurer, it is merely false conceptions about  the level of insurance cover provided by other sources, cost and a dash of ignorance that has led holidaymakers to take these risks when away from home².

“I have cover elsewhere”

Over a fifth of people (21%) believe that the cover they have as either part of their home insurance or their bank’s current account deal is adequate to insure them when on holiday. However, this is rarely the case.

Home insurance policies do not always cover medical expenses whilst abroad, will not pay out for a cancelled trip and do not always cover personal possessions when away from home. Even with an ‘all risks’ level of cover on a household policy, where it is possible to claim for items that are lost, stolen or damaged abroad, this often  impacts on the policy’s no claims discount and will discourage people from doing so.

Similarly, the travel insurance provided by banks can often be exclusive, covering medical expenses only and requiring their customers to pay an additional premium to upgrade their policy. swiftcover.com therefore urges the consumer to read the small print, and ensure they have sufficient cover for their needs.

“The European Health Information Card (EHIC) gives me sufficient cover”

Nearly 5.7 million (13%) deem this to be true – but it is not. Indeed, whilst the EHIC (formerly known as the E111 form), does cover admission to public hospitals and some medical costs, it will not stretch to repatriation costs or treatment costs in private clinics³.

“I don’t think I am likely to claim”

Almost 8.5 million (19%) people have adopted the ‘it’ll never happen to me attitude’ and choose not to purchase travel insurance as they simply don’t believe the worst will happen. Sadly, this is not the reality. Last year alone, over 850,000 travel insurance claims were made, spanning accidents, ill-health, curtailment or cancellation of a trip and the loss or damage of possessions⁴.

“It’s too expensive”

Over 6.6 million people (15%) refuse to travel with insurance as they believe the cost is too great. Travel insurance can be bought for just a few pounds - it’s just a case of shopping around. Whereas some tour operators and travel agents may offer overpriced premiums as part of a package deal, buying direct from a travel insurer almost always works out cheaper. swiftcover.com offers good value, comprehensive cover from as little as £5 – a  two week holiday to Spain, for example, can cost as little as £10 per person.

“I sometimes forget”

The excuse for nearly one in ten (8%) Brits is that they simply forget. But this can be redressed with ease by purchasing an annual worldwide policy – covering you for all your holidays, short breaks and business trips wherever you go. swiftcover.com offers an Annual Worldwide policies starting at £43 for a Premier level of cover.

Robin Reames, Claims Director at swiftcover.com comments: “British holidaymakers should think twice before travelling without adequate insurance. The facts speak for themselves and shouldn’t be ignored. Travel insurance can be purchased quickly and with ease online. By cutting out the call centre, swiftcover.com is able to offer some of the cheapest premiums on the market” 

swiftcover.com’s travel insurance has recently been accredited a Which? Best Buy in the following categories:

Single Trip

Europe (15 Days) for an adult under 50 years of age

Europe (15 days) for a family under 50 years of age

Worldwide exc. USA (24 Days) for an adult under 50 years of age

Worldwide exc. USA (24 Days) for a family under 50 years of age

USA (24 days) for an adult under 50 years of age

USA (24 days) for a family under 50 years of age

Annual

Europe for an adult under 50 years of age

Worldwide inc. USA for an adult under 50 years of age