With millions of Brits taking ‘staycations’ this year, we consider the importance of travel insurance when holidaying in the UK.
Consider the risks
According to Visit Britain, in 2017 people holidaying within the country spent a total of £14.1bn, which is up 6% on 2016.
That change in consumer spending pattern presents new risks for holidaymakers, who previously have put more consideration into their trips abroad.
When travelling in the UK, people often don’t take out separate insurance to cover their vacation, thinking of it as simply an extension of a local day trip.
However, with bigger budgets being put aside for holidays at home, it is worth considering your risks before immediately ruling out protection.
While any medical care will be accessible through the NHS, there are other risks that insurance policies protect you from. For example, if you have to cancel your holiday you could be significantly out of pocket and potentially not able to rebook if you lose your vacation budget. Other risks include:
- Loss or damage to your luggage
- Stolen items
- The need to abandon your trip
- Legal expenses
When you consider the value and peace of mind that travel insurance provides over and above medical care, there is a valid case for putting it on your pre-holiday shopping list. It is always worth shopping around to compare prices and policy options to see what will work for you.
It may be that you are comfortable to choose the basics, or if you are risk adverse, there are more comprehensive covers available.
Always check what cover you already have
Sometimes you will find that you already have some level of cover when travelling in the UK. For example, your belongings could be included in your home or contents insurance policy or you might have a basic travel insurance through your bank account. It always pays to check the small print and see what is and isn’t included.
Then you can assess what cover you might wish to purchase to fill in the gaps. Your broker can help you identify where you are and are not covered on your current policies through them.
It’s also important to remember that if you have specific needs, such as medical conditions, or are planning on taking part in certain (risky) activities while away, you might need to speak to a specialist broker to get a comprehensive insurance policy.
Did you know that All Med Pro offers travel insurance to healthcare professionals?
At All Med Pro we have been working with medical and dental practitioners for decades to provide excellent cover for practices, as well as professional and personal protection.
When you trust your broker and have built up a good relationship with them, it makes sense to talk to them about all your insurance requirements.
That’s why we also provide cover like home, car and travel insurance. Give us a call to talk through if you need travel insurance for your next trip.