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
the
latest news from our featured car insurers....
