Martin Lewis Super Urgent Travel Insurance Warning: Do Not Wait—Get On Head!
Why You Should Be Following Martin Lewis On Travel Insurance
Alright, listen up, folks. If you have any holiday plans, there’s one thing you need to sort out today — your travel insurance. The money-saving guru Martin Lewis is ringing the warning bells and you’d be smart to pay attention.
Now, I hear you asking, “Do I really need to purchase travel insurance right this second?” Short answer—yes! As soon as you book a trip, you ought to be locking down that insurance policy. Not when you’re packing your bags, not a week before you fly — right now. Why? Because the risk isn’t just what happens during your trip, it’s also what could happen before you even leave the ground.
The Hard, Cold Facts—Why Not Doing It Sooner is a Big Mistake
Many people think of travel insurance as covering mishaps — lost baggage, or a twisted ankle hiking in the Alps. Wrong. But the biggest reason you need travel insurance from the start is trip cancellation. You plan your dream holiday, something comes up — an illness, a family emergency, an office crisis — and suddenly you can’t go. Without insurance, you’re saying goodbye to all that money you spent.
And let’s face it, travel can get expensive. Air, lodging, activities — it adds up quickly. If you’re paying out thousands on a holiday, does it make sense to put your whole trip at risk because you didn’t want to shell out an extra few pounds on insurance?
Here’s the truth of the matter: If you purchase travel insurance when you book, you’re protected if anything goes wrong prior to your departure. But if you wait till right before you go? You won’t be covered for cancellations before your trip.
Real World — The Case for Early Travel Insurance
Let’s flesh it out with some real-world examples.
Pre-Travel Medical Emergencies
Say you booked a trip months ahead. A week or two prior to departure, you develop appendicitis and require an operation. No way you’re traveling right now.” If you had travel insurance, you will probably get reimbursed for your prepaid expenses. If you didn’t? That money is gone.
Family Emergencies
Let’s say you’re traveling in mid-June. In May, a close family member falls seriously ill or dies. All of a sudden, taking a holiday is the last thing on your agenda. But without travel insurance, airlines and hotels won’t be concerned with your personal situation. Your money, which had to be worked for, is gone.
Natural disasters or airline strikes
Think your travel plans are safe? Not always. Airlines strike. Hotels shut down. And massive wildfires, hurricanes or flooding hit entire regions resulting in mass cancellations. If you’re impacted and don’t have insurance, then it’s game over for your refund hopes.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
A good travel insurance policy is like a safety net. Here’s what it generally consists of:
Trip Cancellation & Interruption
In case you want to cancel on grounds of illness, injury, or personal emergency.
When your airline, cruise or tour operator cancels or makes a schedule change.
If extreme weather prompts you to shorten your trip.
Medical Expenses and Emergency Evacuations
You can add abroad hospitalization or medical treatment (some countries take insane amounts for declaring patients).
What happens if you have to be evacuated home?
Dental emergencies—yes, you can get a root canal when on holiday!
Handling Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Property
Reimbursement for lost baggage.
Reimbursement for stolen personal belongings (laptop, passport, etc.).
Help with emergency travel documents if your passport is nicked.
Travel Delays & Connection Missed
If a flight delay requires an overnight stay.
That is if you have a missed connection due to uncompensated circumstances.
If your bag is delayed, and you need to purchase items in an emergency.
Travel Insurance : What You Should Look Out For
All policies are not created equal. It’s possible that buying the cheapest one doesn’t get you the coverage you really need. Here’s what to consider:
Coverage Limits
Always take a close look at how much coverage the policy offers for medical expenses, trip cancellations and loss of belongings. Some cheap polices have laughably low payouts.
Exclusions & Fine Print
Policies may not cover pre-existing medical conditions unless you disclose them in advance.
Some high-risk activities (like scuba diving, skiing, etc.) may not be covered unless you purchase additional insurance.
Some are budget policies with ludicrously high deductibles (i.e., you’ll pay out of pocket a lot before insurance kicks in).
— Customer Support & Claims Process
Do they have a 24/7 emergency hotline?
Do they handle claims in a timely manner, or will you be waiting for months to be reimbursed?
Busting Common Travel Insurance Myths
“My Credit Card Already Insures Me”
Yes, a handful of credit cards offer you a little travel insurance, but do you know what it covers? Many of these “included” policies are very basic — covering flight cancellations but not medical expenses.
“I’m Young and Healthy, I Don’t Need Medical Coverage”
Doesn’t matter. Anyone can have an accident. In the UK, a small injury might cost hundreds of quid to repair. In the US? Prepare to shell out thousands for even the most rudimentary emergency care.
“I’ll Cross That Bridge When I Get to It”
Okay, but what if you can’t? Just imagine if you miss a flight, you’d need a last-minute hotel in an expensive city. If you’re uninsured, you’ll be paying out of pocket. With insurance, you are reimbursed.”
Travel Insurance vs. The Cost of NOT Having It
Let’s talk numbers. Travel insurance isn’t costly in relation to the total price of a trip. Policies can cost as little as £10-50 depending on the length of your trip and the extent of cover needed.
Now, consider that in comparison to the possible bills you could be presented with without it:
All the basic treatments that might be offered in the UK are not covered by this money.
Compensation for lost luggage = £500+
Trip cancellation charges = £2,000+
Additional hotel the next day due to flight delays = £300+
Do you see where I’m going with this? Travel insurance is one of those things that feels hard to justify until you need it.
Martin Lewis’ Last Bit of Say—Don’t Delay and Get It Done,
Martin Lewis has carved out a niche as the go-to person for no-frills financial advice — so when he says it’s urgent, chances are that it is. His message is clear:
When you book your trip, get your travel insurance right away.
Don’t wait, don’t hesitate and certainly don’t think to yourself that you won’t ever need it. Life is unpredictable, and the little bit of money you spend now could save you a lot in the long-run.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your travel insurance now and have a stress-free holiday. Safe travels!