Holidaymakers Warned Not To Forget Insurance This Year
As the number of people planning on staying in the UK for their holiday rises, AXA, the UK’s largest travel insurer, advises anybody taking UK family holidays to ensure they are covered by travel insurance.
Domestic holidays, particularly the short break kind, are growing in popularity as people look closer to home for their rest and relaxation. Recent domestic tourism stats show that the number of people planning a short break in the UK has increased from 40% to 46% as they look for alternatives to taking short breaks abroad and to supplement the annual holiday abroad. Furthermore, 21% of holidaymakers plan on switching their foreign holiday to a domestic holiday in order to cut costs. 51% of people are put off from travelling abroad because of flight costs and 36% are worried about the unpredictability of tour operators.
What holidaymakers may not realise is that travel insurance has a place in the UK holiday market – many of the mishaps that occur abroad can equally occur closer to home and can help prevent a well-earned break turning into a costly experience. For a single trip policy in the UK prices start at around £12.
AXA’s own claims data shows that cancellation, baggage and curtailment are the most common claims made for domestic holidays. Half of all claims AXA receives for domestic holidays are for cancellation, at an average cost of £396, although claims can be much higher if you’re going for a week or a fortnight.
Loss or damage of baggage and personal belongings are the second most common claim, costing £183 on average. If you’re taking any valuables on holiday, it’s always advisable to keep them on you or in a locked safe, as claims for lost or stolen items will otherwise be declined.
Curtailment claims, which are made if you need to cut short your holiday, cost £339 on average. However, medical curtailment, when you need special transport home after an accident, could cost as much as £2,000 depending on the circumstances. Travel insurance can also help to bring a friend or family member to assist you if you fall ill or are injured.
