Before stepping on the plane - check out your holiday cover, says Jim Spowart

Most holidaymakers have no idea if their travel insurance is offering them the right protection.

A majority of 78% of the 2,000 people questioned admitted they were unaware of details in their policy including exclusions and the level of protection offered, according to a survey commissioned by Go Travel Insurance.

And it’s those that are jetting off on a short break which are the least likely to take out any insurance at all. Figures from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office show that up to 50% of people going away for a few days are uninsured, compared to 13% of people taking breaks of a week or more.

Jim Spowart, the chairman of Peopleschampion.com, said; “These are startling figures. If you are going abroad on holiday you shouldn’t take any chances. My advice is to check out the market and see exactly what is on offer. It is amazing how much some policies vary.”

Christian Young, chief executive of Go Travel Insurance, said: “Most people think that the insurance policy is there to cover lost cameras or delayed baggage but the truth is that it’s emergency medical assistance and in serious cases repatriation to the UK that are the things policies are there to cover you for. If you fall seriously ill or have an accident overseas, medical costs can be huge. Without travel insurance, you would be left to pay the bill personally.”

Typical medical costs:

• Gastro-enteritis treatment in the Mediterranean: £400 - £600
• Two days in a general hospital ward in the Mediterranean: £600
• Broken leg in the USA: £10,000
• Scheduled flight in business class with a nurse escort from the west coast of the USA: £9,000 - £12,000
• Air ambulance back to the UK from the Balearics: £10,000 - £12,000
• Bronchitis requiring seven days’ in-patient treatment in the Far East: £15,000
• Bronchitis requiring seven days’ in-patient treatment in the USA: £20,000

The company warns that even if travelling within the EU with a European Health Insurance card [which replaced the old E111 form] you may find that you have to pay a large percentage of the cost of treatments which you may have expected to be free. There is no substitute for a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

“We are aware that travel insurance is often a last-minute purchase made grudgingly but we do all we can to provide customers with easy-to-read and understand literature both on the website and in leaflets sent with policies. By following this advice you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your holiday safe in the knowledge that you’re covered in case of emergency during your trip,” said Mr Young.

Jim Spowart added: “Companies such as Go Travel Insurance are to be commended for point our this case. Check out the market to ensure that your good deal gives you good cover too.”

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