SUMMER SUN
Holiday warning for anyone with a summer trip booked abroad to make crucial check NOW – or risk being caught out
Scroll to see how you can protect your getaway
BOOKING a summer getaway costs most Brits a small fortune each year yet, thousands of holidaymakers risk losing cash with a key error.
Travel cancellation, delays or personal emergencies can leave you out of pocket if, for example, you're not able to make it to booked accommodation.
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Insurance covers the cost associated with disruption and other hiccups that can hit holidaymakers before they've even set off.
However, you'll need to have the policy in place before disruption takes hold to get a payout.
But more than one in four don't get cover in place until the day of departure leaving theme exposed to issues and big costs, according to data from comparison site Go.compare.
Only one in five get policies within six months of their getaway, Go.compare found.
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Experts are now warning of the risks of leaving it too late.
Rhys Jones from Go.Compare, said: “Those buying a travel policy last minute leave themselves at risk, as you won’t be covered for any issues that arise in the run-up to your holiday, before your policy is in place – for instance, airline closures or issues with your accommodation.
“A last-minute policy is also unlikely to include cancellation cover, and cancellation is one of the main reasons that people purchase a travel insurance policy. Those with pre-existing medical conditions could also be left without coverage.
"So, while it’s tempting to leave it until the last minute, a bit of planning could save you stress – and money – further down the line.”
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It’s best to sort travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday.
That way, you’ll have more comprehensive options and peace of mind knowing you’re protected long before your journey begins.”
How to financially protect your holiday
Many of us save all year to afford an annual getaway.
When spending an arm and a leg, it makes sense to make sure your investment is protected.
Buying travel insurance is one way to get financially reimbursed for any disruptions that leave you out of pocket.
It's also a good idea to use a credit card rather than debit card for booking a getaway.
This is because any purchases made on a credit card between £100 and £30,000 are covered by your provider if things go wrong, thanks to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
This includes holidays and airline bookings and means, for example, if an airline or tour operator goes into administration, your money would be protected.
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Section 75 also covers any additional expenses or consequential losses, for example, buying more expensive flights to get home if your airline fails.
If your flight is cancelled and the airline fails to give a refund, this could also offer additional safety net for your money.
What does travel insurance cover?
A DREAM holiday can quickly turn into a nightmare if something goes wrong such as illness, injuries or delays.
Travel insurance can pay out to cover the costs incurred from cancellations or delays.
It will also cover the cost of lost luggage which can run into thousands if a big suitcase of belongings gets lost in transit.
If you need medical treatment when abroad, travel insurance is vital for covering costs.
Unlike the UK, many countries don't offer medical treatment for free.
It means if you get injured or ill when abroad, travel insurance is vital for covering costs.
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