Last-minute holidaymakers could be putting themselves at risk this summer, a new study shows today.
Last-minute holidaymakers could be putting themselves at risk this summer, a new study shows today.
More than six million Britons will jet off this summer on a last- minute break. But research commissioned by Norwich Union reveals that over one million of these bargain hunters won’t be covered by travel insurance, and the main reasons are that they don’t think it is necessary or run out of time.
Norwich Union’s ‘Lastminuteitis’ study also shows that men are the worst offenders – they are almost three times more likely than women to forget to book travel insurance for a last- minute jaunt.
Frankie Nicholson, market development manager at Norwich Union Insurance, said: “The results from our research are worrying, with almost a million last-minute travellers not arranging cover because they think travel insurance isn’t necessary, never take it out or simply run out of time.
“Our most common insurance claims are for lost or damaged baggage and emergency medical expenses, so what was supposed to be a cheap holiday can quickly become a very expensive one if you are not adequately covered.
“As a nation we’re travelling more than ever before, a quarter of people are taking three holidays or more a year. So we’re highlighting the importance of travel insurance for all holiday- makers and for regular travellers to consider an annual travel insurance policy. Annual insurance often works out cheaper than taking out multiple policies because it covers an unlimited number of trips in a year - provided each trip is no more than 31 days.”
Norwich Union has produced some top tips on taking out travel insurance:
- Before you travel, check what is covered by your insurance policy. Make sure it covers the country you are travelling to, your length of stay, and any hazardous or sports activities
- Don’t feel under pressure to take out travel insurance from your tour operator or travel agent, and shop around if you think you can get a better deal yourself
- If you need to make a claim, you’ll need to support it with receipts
- Read the small print if you are buying a package deal, don’t assume it includes travel insurance
- Think about how many times you travel each year, and whether it’s more viable to get an annual travel policy
- If you run out of time you can sometimes arrange your insurance at the airport or on the internet
Notes to Editors:
*Norwich Union commissioned Taylor Nelson Sofres to conduct an independent survey of more than 1,000 adults. The survey was carried out in July 2001.
CGU plc and Norwich Union plc merged on 30 May 2000 to create CGNU plc, the UK’s largest insurance group and one of the top-five insurers in Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world’s sixth largest insurer based on gross worldwide premiums.
CGNU’s principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide premium income and retail investment sales from ongoing business of over Ł27 billion and assets under management of more than Ł200 billion.
From October 2000, the combined life and pensions, general insurance and retail fund management businesses in the UK operate under the Norwich Union brand, while the institutional investment business operates under the Morley Fund Management brand.
Norwich Union Insurance Limited Registered in England Number 99122. Registered Office 8 Surrey Street Norwich NR1 3NG
Member of the General Insurance Standards Council
Norwich Union’s news releases are available on this internet site.
For further information contact Gabrielle Brewer or Anja Kueppers at QBO on 020 7379 0304 or Liz Nicholson/Jenny Chapman at Norwich Union on 08703 666 868