Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert (MSE) is alerting holidaymakers to a simple rule ahead of the summer travel season. In this week’s email, MSE urges travellers to take one crucial step ‘ASAB’—As Soon As Booked—before even setting foot in the airport.” In their weekly newletter, they explain “the most important thing to do first is to sort out travel insurance.” They say: “When it comes to travel cover, Martin’s rule is simple: get it…ASAB.” This stands for “As Soon As you Book.” They warn: “If you’ve booked and not done it yet, DO IT NOW.
“Half of what you pay for is protection in case illness or other issues before you travel mean you can’t go – though insurance must already be in place for that. However, around one in five of those who have booked DON’T have insurance yet,” according to a Martin Lewis social media poll from 42,000 votes.
One reader described it as a “dangerous risk” to go without it. They replied to the poll to say: “My parents made the mistake of waiting until closer to the date and mum got diagnosed with cancer and had no choice but to cancel as she needed life-saving surgery. They only got 10% back. An expensive mistake.”
In more travel insurance advice on the MoneySavingExpert site, Tony Forchione, MSE’s senior insurance analyst, states that good travel insurance should cover you for:
- Cancellation because you can’t travel
- Covid
- Personal liability
- Sports, excursions and other activities
- Cutting your trip short (curtailment)
- Baggage and personal belongings
- Medical expenses while abroad
Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions are being urged to inform their insurers ahead of their trips, with experts warning that failing to do so could lead to rejected claims. While declaring a condition might feel “daunting,” it’s essential you do so, even if you think your illness won’t cause problems during your trip. Experts stress that having a medical history shouldn’t deter people from seeking out affordable travel insurance as the purpose of cover is to safeguard against the unexpected, such as illness, injury, or theft while abroad.