Holidaymakers shun travel insurance for EHIC card

Nearly one in ten (8%) Brits who are holidaying abroad this year admit they will not be taking out travel insurance to protect themselves while overseas, reveals research by Saga Travel Insurance. Of these, the majority will be travelling within Europe and expect the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover their needs should they have any problems while on holiday.

However, the European Health Insurance Card (the new version of the E111) will only cover any necessary medical treatment due to either an accident or illness within the European Economic Area (EEA). This will leave many travellers vulnerable and without cover should they experience issues with lost baggage or cancellations or need repatriating back to the UK, and will also leave uninsured Brits who are travelling further afield without crucial medical expenses cover.

Over a third (38%) of globe-trotting over 50s have an annual travel insurance policy in place to protect them against unforeseen incidents while on holiday this year. However, worryingly some Brits are still planning to travel overseas without any travel cover in place this year (5% of over 50s and 9% of under 50s respectively).

Despite the credit crunch more over 50s are planning a trip abroad this year, with Saga witnessing a 13% rise in the number of travel insurance policies taken out in June 2009 compared with June 2008. Over half of these are for trips within Europe, but there is also a significant number of over 50s opting to holiday within the UK this year.

UK trip protection

When it comes to holidaying within the UK, many Brits don't consider the need for travel insurance while away from home in this country. Nearly one in two (47%) Brits overall will not be taking out any travel insurance cover, and the majority of these (87%) believe travel insurance isn't necessary in the UK. 4% of UK holidaymakers mistakenly believe their belongings will be covered under their home insurance policy.

Although traditional travel concerns such as emergency medical expenses aren't an issue when holidaying within in the UK, cancellations are the second highest cause of travel claims with the average cancellation claim costing £2,010, and can still affect holidaymakers in the UK.

Andrew Goodsell, Executive Chairman, Saga Group, comments: "When travelling within Europe, and even within the UK, holidaymakers should ensure they have adequate travel insurance in place before departing, to provide sound cover and peace of mind. A good travel insurance policy will ensure you are not only covered for medical expenses, but will also provide repatriation back to the UK and cancellation cover should your holiday be cut short."