Why is travel insurance important?

What is travel insurance?

A travel insurance policy provides financial protection when issues arise during your holiday. It can cover problems while travelling to and from your destination, such as cancelled or delayed flights and lost luggage, as well as any medical expenses if you become injured or ill while abroad.

Some travel insurance policies will cover a wider range of circumstances than others, so it’s important to understand what is or isn’t covered in your policy. For example, some policies will provide cover if you lose your passport, if you have to cancel your trip for a personal reason, or even provide personal liability cover if you cause damage or injury to others.

Many policies can be tailored to meet specific needs, such as adventure sports coverage, which is essential for thrill-seekers, and our research found that 14% of people say they’re more adventurous on holiday, taking more risks than they would do whilst at home with 22% saying they take more risks whilst on holiday and 28% being drunk whilst doing so.

So, before you take out a travel insurance policy, think carefully about what you want it to cover, and which policy works best for you.

Does travel insurance cover injury?

Yes, many travel insurance policies will cover you for any injuries or illnesses during your holiday, including any which occur while you are at the airport or on your flight. Cover will often include the cost of any medical treatment, emergency transport, and even repatriation if you need to cut your trip short.

Most standard policies won’t cover you for pre-existing conditions, however, so if you have a condition you’d like to be covered for while abroad, you’ll want to ensure the policy you take out provides the protection you need.

Why is it important to have travel insurance?

Having a decent travel insurance policy ensures that these costs are covered, providing peace of mind and financial protection.

Life is unpredictable, and various factors such as sudden illnesses, family emergencies, or accidents such as road collisions. In such cases, travel insurance can cover non-refundable expenses.

Ultimately, the primary benefit of travel insurance is peace of mind. Knowing that you have a safety net allows you to enjoy your holidays without worrying about anything that might go wrong.

How can we help

The advantages of travel insurance far outweigh the costs. It’s a small price to pay for comprehensive protection against any potential risks. What many people aren’t aware of is that even after claiming on your travel insurance, you can still put in an accident abroad claim. Travel insurance tends to cover the cost of medical treatment immediately after the incident whereas your personal injury claim can help cover further medical treatment when you’re home and any costs incurred if you’re unable to work.

At Slater and Gordon, our team are made up of specialist legal minds who have worked within the travel sector for several years. Members of our travel litigation team have previously worked for some of the largest tour operators in the UK within their in-house legal departments, which provides us with the expert knowledge and experience needed to achieve the best settlements for our clients.

When you've suffered an accident on holiday, you need experts you can talk to and trust. Contact our solicitors on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online and we’ll provide you with a sympathetic ear and help you with the legal process.