80% of domestic holiday makers go uninsured

Domestic travel insurance expert, World First (world-first.co.uk), has today revealed figures which show that 80 percent of domestic holidays will be uninsured this summer*.

With all figures showing that domestic holiday traffic will increase sharply this summer – as much as 30 percent** – it is important that these primary holidays are protected. Key advice from World First is that consumers at least take out cancellation cover to safeguard their ‘at home’ holiday.

There are significant losses to be made if a UK break is cancelled for whatever reason; most hotels charge two thirds of the holiday cost and nearly all self catering, holiday and camping parks charge a full 100 percent. A standard one off cancellation policy based on a £400 holiday costs just £23 to insure, and will cover everyone taking the holiday.

World First Travel Insurance, which has sold specialist domestic cover for over 25 years, is supporting the increase in UK holiday numbers with the launch of its first annual domestic multi-trip policy, for travellers who are planning more than one holiday or weekend away in the UK this year. The policy starts at £39.60 for a family up to six (two adults, four children) and is fully comprehensive, incorporating:

• Cancellation cover
• Personal accident cover
• Baggage and money cover
• Additional travel expenses
• Travel delay cover
• Legal expenses
• Personal liability

Domestic holiday makers can buy policies by visiting world-first.co.uk.

“Our advice has always been to ensure you are fully insured wherever you take your holiday,” comments Martin Rothwell, Managing Partner, World First Travel Insurance. “However, a study of our own statistics has revealed that a worrying number of people forget to take out any cover at all if they are taking a domestic break. At a time when all of us are watching what we spend, financial protection is more important than ever before.

“People simply forget that they could be charged for a holiday they cannot take and there could still be major cost implications during a domestic break. For example, most long distance ambulance trips home following an accident whilst on holiday are not covered by the NHS; they are covered by our policies. Insuring a big ticket item like a holiday is vital and a small outlay could prevent financial heartache later on.”

* World First provides travel insurance (mainly cancellation) for 5000 holiday establishments across the UK. A cross section (well over 1000) of these establishments are regularly polled on the take up of domestic insurance policies that they sell on behalf of World First (back of brochures etc). This informal poll has been conducted for more than 15 years. Almost universally their feedback is that take up of policies is less than 20%.

** Continental Research statistics show an expected 16% rise in domestic holidays and the UK being the number one holiday destination amongst 20-54 year olds in 09. Hoseason’s has reported a 30% rise in UK bookings from 08 to 09.

For more information, visit world-first.co.uk