A quarter of holidaymakers leave travel insurance until take off

23 August 2018

9% of holidaymakers have bought insurance on holiday, but probably aren’t covered

A quarter (25%) of holidaymakers are buying travel insurance at the last minute either on their way to or at the airport, according to a new study released today by Co-op Insurance.*

For nearly a tenth (9%) of holidaymakers, travel insurance is actually a sun lounger purchase. However, their policies may not be valid as they didn’t buy them in the UK before their trip began.

The study has found that as well as last minute shopping, the airport is a popular destination for picking up travel insurance for 16% of holidaymakers, with a further 9% buying on their way to the airport.

Worryingly, 5% of holidaymakers admit to not bothering at all.

Holidaymakers from the East Midlands (11%) and Wales (10%) are more likely not to take out insurance, whilst the most travel-savvy are those from the North East and South West where only 3% admit to traveling without insurance.

With thousands jetting off for the bank holiday weekend for some last rays of sunshine before the autumn school term begins, Co-op Insurance is urging holidaymakers not to forgo all-important travel insurance and to buy before they depart.

This is in light of study findings which reveal that the majority (87%) of holidaymakers have had something go wrong whilst they were supposed to be relaxing.

Holiday nightmares

Worryingly, 17% of holidaymakers did not have insurance in place when the worst happened, potentially leaving thousands of people financially worse off.

Colin Butler, Head of Travel Insurance at the Co-op said:

“Buying travel insurance at the airport is not without risk. However, travelling without insurance is much worse and can turn a well-earned break into a nightmare in a matter of seconds.

“Nearly a tenth of holidaymakers have admitted to buying their policies when they reach their holiday destination. Whilst this is with the best of intentions, unfortunately they may find themselves without cover as policies generally should be taken out for a whole trip before you leave the UK.

“As our study has found the majority of us have had something go wrong when traveling abroad. Whilst in many cases these can be minor issues if you are faced, for example, with a medical issue and no insurance this can quickly escalate into a major issue physically, mentally and financially.”

Co-op Travel Insurance offers cashless medical expenses, for all ages and medical conditions, meaning customers will not have to pay out themselves for any medical treatment. Furthermore, the new travel insurance product will offer Co-op customers access to an online medical consultation with a General Medical Council (GMC) registered doctor, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from anywhere in the world.

Ends

Media contact:

Jenna Moss
PR Manager
Email: Jenna.moss@coop.co.uk
Mobile: 07770 441 828

Hannah Charlton
Press Officer
Email: Hannah.charlton@coop.co.uk

Notes to editors

*Research was conducted among 2000 holidaymakers in August 2018 on behalf of the Co-op by Atomik Research

** Co-op Travel Insurance is part of Co-op Insurance Services Limited and is underwritten by Mapfre. Cashless medical expenses, for all ages and medical conditions are available in selected destinations. Important limitations, restrictions & excess apply. Full policy details can be found here: https://www.co-opinsurance.co.uk/travel-insurance/policy-documents. Video-call consultations available 8am to 10pm 365 days a year, voice call consultations available 24 hours a day.

About Co-op Travel Insurance

Co-op Travel Insurance is part of Co-op Insurance Services Limited and is underwritten by MAPFRE. Full policy details can be found here: https://www.co-opinsurance.co.uk/travel-insurance/policy-documents

About Co-op Insurance:

Co-op Insurance is part of the Co-op, one of the world’s largest consumer co-ops, owned by millions of members. Alongside Co-op Insurance, we have the UK’s fifth biggest food retailer, the UK’s number one funeral services provider, and a developing legal services business.

As well as having clear financial and operational objectives, the Co-op is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes.