British holidaymakers are being warned they could face financial shocks of up to £4,500 by overlooking a single, crucial step when planning their getaways.
The Alarming Insurance Gap
New research reveals a startling trend: two in three UK travellers have jetted off without any travel insurance. Compounding this risk, half of these travellers are convinced that nothing could possibly go wrong during their trip.
This confidence is severely misplaced. The data shows that 29 per cent of all holidaymakers have had to make a claim after their plans went awry, either before departure or while abroad. The financial impact is significant, with the average claim totalling approximately £4,500.
Why Younger Travellers Are Most at Risk
The research, commissioned by price comparison provider Compare the Market, highlights a particular vulnerability among younger tourists. A striking 66% of travellers aged 18 to 34 admit they have travelled without cover.
The reasons for this dangerous gap in protection are clear. More than half (58%) of young people believe travel insurance is too expensive, while a similar proportion (56%) find the process of choosing a policy confusing, which deters them from making a purchase.
Top 10 Reasons for Travel Insurance Claims
To underscore the importance of coverage, the poll identified the most common scenarios that lead to claims. The list is a stark reminder of what can go wrong:
- Trip cancellation (due to illness, injury, bereavement etc.) - 49%
- Travel delays (beyond a set time) - 48%
- Emergency medical treatment - 45%
- Emergency expenses - 43%
- Travel interruptions - 41%
- Delayed or damaged baggage - 41%
- Missed flights or connections - 40%
- Theft of items - 40%
- Hotel / travel company cancellation - 39%
- Prescriptions and medication - 38%
Emily Barnett, a travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, emphasised the urgency of securing cover. "Taking out travel insurance should be as instinctive as booking your flights," she said. "It gives you protection against unforeseen circumstances, for example should you need to cancel before you depart."
With the busy winter travel season approaching, whether for skiing in the Alps or visiting Christmas markets, Barnett stressed that it has never been more important to have suitable cover in place before setting off.
The firm is now urging all travellers to adopt a "Buy When You Book" habit. This ensures protection from the moment the policy is taken out, safeguarding against cancellation costs if unforeseen events—from sudden illness and job loss to provider cancellation—cause plans to fall through.
"We're urging Brits to protect their trips early to give themselves peace of mind," Ms Barnett added, "so they can focus on making memories instead of mishaps."
