Going abroad this summer? Don’t cut costs on travel insurance, says consumer expert 

With global travel becoming increasingly uncertain, a consumer rights expert and former stewardess is advising holiday makers to pay particular attention to their travel insurance.

Consumer expert Jane Hawkes, whose website Lady Janey features advice on consumer advice and money saving tips, says risking no, or insufficient travel insurance can be costly in the long run.

With some 20,000 passengers claiming on their insurance following disruptions in the UAE, including popular winter sun destination Dubai, getting the right cover has never been more important.

“In a nutshell, travel insurance is about protecting you from unpredictable, often expensive risks,” explains Jane.

“We’ve recently seen how quickly a situation can change, with the hostilities against Iran leaving Brits travelling across the Middle East needing to call on their insurance after flights were cancelled.

“But even if you are travelling somewhere less risky, it’s still vital to get the right policy or you could end up paying out for a policy which doesn’t cover your costs if something does go wrong.

“A sound policy typically covers medical emergencies abroad, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen belongings, travel delays or missed departures, personal liability if you cause damage or injury.

“Without it, you’re exposed. Medical treatment alone can run into thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds and cancellation costs can wipe out the entire value of a holiday if something goes wrong before departure.

“Even with a GHIC or EHIC, you’re only partially covered and many major costs such as repatriation wouldn’t be included.

“Not all insurance is equal. A comprehensive policy goes beyond the basics and meaningfully reduces your exposure.”

According to Jane, a strong policy should include:

High medical cover limits (often £5m–£10m+ for worldwide travel)

Repatriation (getting you home) if you become seriously ill, injured or a member of the party dies abroad

Adequate cancellation cover matching your trip’s cost

Baggage and valuables protection

24/7 emergency assistance

Optional add-ons such as:

‘Cancel for any reason’

Cover for higher risk activities

“The key idea is simple,” says Jane.

“You want cover which is realistic, not just the bare minimum. Travel insurance is not just a tick box exercise, it’s there to protect you when you are away from home and the protections which you would get in the UK.

“Any policy you take out has to cover as many bases as possible and cheap policies can be false economy as they are rarely the best value.

“In fact, lower cost policies often cap medical cover at lower levels, exclude pre-existing conditions, have high excesses and omit key risks like cancellations or activities.

“This can leave gaps you only discover when you need to claim. You should compare cover, not just cost.”

Jane’s Top Travel Insurance Tips

1. Buy early, not last-minute

Buy your insurance as soon as you book your trip so your cover starts immediately. This is particularly important for cancellation cover.

2. Match the policy to your travel habits

If you travel regularly it is worthwhile investing in annual, multi-trip insurance. Your insurance should also cover where you are likely to travel and any activities you might take part in such as winter sports. Skip them if they are irrelevant but don’t assume they are included.

Travel insurance will be more expensive if you travel to countries such as the USA where medical costs will be higher, so factor the likelihood of that in if you opt for annual cover.

3. Don’t double-pay for cover.

Check if you already have protection through bank accounts, credit cards or home insurance (for belongings) then adjust your policy needs accordingly. But don’t assume that because you have these insurances that it will cover you. It might be very basic, so do your homework.

4. Be honest about medical conditions

Failing to declare them can invalidate your policy completely, which is one of the most common and costly mistakes. These can include things you might not consider, such as wearing hearing aids. Your patient record will include details of pre-existing medical conditions, including things as common as blood pressure readings and travel insurers can and frequently do ask for access when you make a claim.

They cannot access them without your permission but refusing can lead to denied claims, cancelled policies or refusal of coverage.

5. Be realistic about your excess

Yes, a higher excess can reduce premiums but only if you could realistically afford it. You might think there’s little chance of you needing to claim but if you do, do you have hundreds of pounds to pay out instead of a slightly higher premium?