Perils of last minute travel cover

Two-thirds of travellers miss out on valuable cancellation cover by making a last minute dash for holiday insurance, potentially bidding 'bon voyage' to recouping any losses.

With 63 per cent of holidaymakers taking out travel insurance less than two weeks before they fly, travellers could be out of pocket if their holiday is unavoidably cancelled, according to moneysupermarket.com. Furthermore, nearly half (47 per cent) wait until the last week to take out cover.

Price comparison site moneysupermarket.com advises Brits to take out insurance as soon as the holiday is booked. That way, unforeseen circumstances such as serious injury, illness or bereavement are potentially covered if a holiday needs to be cancelled.
Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com, said: "It seems holidaymakers are booking flights but leaving their insurance until the last moment. However, they will miss out on valuable cancellation cover which will protect them for all or part of their flight if the trip is avoidably cancelled.

"It is worth noting you may not be covered if you have cancelled your holiday because of any pre-existing medical conditions, the death or illness of a pet, or if you have any travel phobias, stress or anxiety."

With the increasing threat of airport strike action and political unrest, most recently in Kenya, it is also worth reading the small print to see whether you are covered in these circumstances and checking FCO advice on foreign travel.

Peter Gerrard continued: " Cancellation policies vary widely between providers with some offering up to £3,000 worth of protection and others only £750, which might not be enough to cover flights for a family of four."