Last minute getaways go uncovered

Holidaymakers may think they have bagged a bargain when they jet off on a last-minute break, but forgetting to organise travel insurance can leave them out of pocket.

Research carried out by Sainsbury’s Bank revealed that 18 per cent of British adults will take a last-minute holiday this summer – but 19 per cent won’t bother with travel cover.

Steve Johnson from Sainsbury’s Bank said that cheap late deals are good news for holidaymakers, but warned that “without appropriate insurance in place a holiday can soon turn into a nightmare if disaster strikes”.

He added: “The stress and cost involved in sorting out any potential problems could run into hundreds or thousands of pounds, surely cancelling out any money saved on a late deal.”

The report estimated that some three million people travel overseas each year without having arranged travel insurance.

The Post Office’s head of travel, John Howells, said that insurance can be sidelined when planning a break. “Our figures prove that travel insurance is all too often forgotten in the excitement of getting ready to go on holiday, or even worse, it is considered by some to be non-essential.”

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Holidaymakers – accommodation top gripe

Holidaying Brits are more likely to complain about their accommodation than anything else.

New research by Halifax Travel Insurance shows that 82 per cent of complaints from Brits abroad concern accommodation.

Holiday reps across Europe were asked to disclose what the most common complaints are and following accommodation, noise pollution was the next most popular.

This was followed by problems concerning nearby building work, complaints about the quality of food and gripes with organised excursions.

The research also highlighted that many holidaymakers are unsure of what to do if they are the victim of theft while abroad.

According to the reps, 20 per cent of British tourists do not know that a police report is needed before an insurance claim can be made.

Shockingly, 3.5 million Brits in the last five years have failed to obtain a report following a theft and £1.5 billion worth of items were not properly covered.

“Halifax Travel Insurance would advise all holidaymakers to research their destination thoroughly before travelling, completing the appropriate medical forms and establishing what to do if they become a victim of crime,” said Paul Birkhead, underwriting manager at the insurance firm.

“It is important when holidaymakers take out insurance that they read the terms and conditions carefully, so they know the correct procedure for making a claim.”

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