Travel insurance priority for fans heading to World Cup finals

England football fans heading to the World Cup finals should not wait until next summer to buy travel insurance, according to M&S Money.

Fans are already planning their trip to South Africa for the finals next June in the hope that England will repeat the success of 1966 and return home with the World Cup.

Tickets, flights and hotels are not the only items that should be on all fans shopping lists - travel insurance should also be a priority.

Supporters should not wait until the last minute to think about travel insurance as travellers often claim on their policy before the holiday has begun.

The M&S Premier travel insurance policy provides up to £6000 of cover for any irrecoverable unused travel and accommodation costs if:

you, a travel partner or close relative becomes ill or injured before the holiday

you or a travel partner are called up for jury service while you are meant to be on holiday

you or a travel partner are made redundant

leave is withdrawn for members of the Armed Forces, Police, Fire, Nursing or Ambulance Services or employees of a Government Department.

Steve Price, M&S Head of General Insurance, said: "It's great news that England have qualified for the finals and thousands of fans will now be looking forward to heading to South Africa next June.

"Tickets for the matches will no doubt be hot property, but fans should also think about what they would do if the worst happens. Travel insurance can provide financial support long before you step on to a flight, so England fans would be wise to invest in a comprehensive policy now."

Those fans planning to travel independently from a package tour should remember that they may not benefit from the protection provided via a package tour.

For example, an independent traveller whose flight is cancelled could find they are unable to claim for subsequent connections, facing the cost of new flights or accommodation.

Independent Traveller cover is included as standard in M&S Premier annual multi-trip insurance, and is available as an optional extra with single trip travel insurance.

Steve added: "Holidaymakers who have booked flights as part of a package holiday enjoy protection in the event of an airline collapse. However, travellers booking flights independently can often find themselves stranded and out of pocket and should make sure they have adequate insurance."