Travel insurance: the myths busted

Travel insurance helps to protect you should the worst happen. With a valid policy, you could be covered for a range of unpleasant scenarios such as cancelled flights or accommodation.

When shopping for travel insurance however, it’s important that you read your policy documentation thoroughly and understand exactly what you are covered for.

For instance, the cheapest option might seem tempting but it may not cover the scenarios that are necessary for your trip. With the right policy, you could make huge savings in the long run.

To help make travel insurance clearer, we’ve looked at 3 common travel myths.

Do I need travel insurance when I have a GHIC card?

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) was introduced following Brexit to replace the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Although the name has changed, it offers exactly the same benefit.

If you’re visiting an EU country or Switzerland and you need treatment that is considered medically necessary, a GHIC will let you access state-provided healthcare free or at a reduced cost.

You’ll receive the same care for the same cost as nationals. However, it is worth noting that state healthcare is unlikely to be the same as the NHS care we receive in the UK. In this case, a private clinic that is not covered with a GHIC card may be necessary.

If you still have an EHIC, you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to replace it with a GHIC. Applying for a card is free through the NHS website.

Whether you have an EHIC or a GHIC, it’s important to note that it’s not an alternative to travel insurance. It doesn’t cover many of the essentials you need when going away, such as private healthcare expenses, repatriation to the UK or lost/stolen property. It is also not valid on cruise holidays.

In some instances, insurers will require a valid GHIC before covering you for travel insurance. Check this before taking out a policy.

When should I purchase travel insurance?

Any purchase of travel insurance should be done as soon as you book your holiday. This is the time when you will receive the broadest cover for your getaway.

Unexpected events like last minute cancellation due to personal illness or redundancy, airline issues or domestic/weather problems that occur in the country prior to your visit will not be covered if you buy your travel insurance at the 11th hour.

For instance, if you have booked a trip to the Bahamas and a hurricane is forecast before you jump on the plane, you will not have hurricane cover during your stay. This is because the event is no longer considered ‘unexpected’.

Do I need travel insurance for a holiday in the UK?

Travel insurance is essential for any excursion, whether at home or abroad. Unfortunately, many travellers are unaware of this and that has resulted in around 59 per cent of staycationers travelling without insurance.

Unforeseen events such as cancelled accommodation, lost valuables and damage to property can cost as much if not more than a holiday. That's why it is worthwhile getting yourself insured.

Whichever policy you choose, it's advisable that you read the fine print to see what your requirements are. Some policies require travellers to be a certain distance from their home or away for a certain length of time before their travel insurance is deemed valid.

For more information or to get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.