Travel insurance is one of the ‘must-haves’ whenever you travel overseas. Although most trips go ahead without any problems, sometimes things do happen that affect your plans – and this could even be before you set off. 

That’s why taking out travel insurance as soon as you book is one of the smartest ways to protect your trip and your wallet.

Why taking out travel insurance early is essential

Most of us know about cover for accidents or medical care while you are overseas. But it is also really important to have insurance in place in case something happens before you travel. 

ABTA’s advice is to always take out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip for maximum cover and complete peace of mind. 

One of the key reasons? Cancellation fees.

Cancelling your plans will see you hit with a hefty cancellation charge, money few of us can afford to lose.

But you can protect yourself against this by taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. You are then covered both for the run up to your holiday and when you are away.

Common reasons you may need to cancel your trip

A good travel insurance policy can cover cancellation costs for many unexpected situations, including:

1. Illness or injury

Sudden illness, hospitalisation, or being declared unfit to travel can make it impossible to go ahead with your trip. Even everyday ailments like ear infections or the early stages of chicken pox can mean your doctor advises against flying.

2. Pregnancy‑related travel restrictions

If you become pregnant, airlines typically restrict travel after a certain stage for safety reasons. A holiday booked months earlier may suddenly no longer be feasible – insurance can help cover the cost.

3. Bereavement

A close relative passing away is sadly a common reason for last‑minute cancellations. With the right policy, you can be covered during this difficult time.

4. Redundancy

In the current uncertain economic climate, redundancy can happen without warning so that you can no longer afford your trip, insurance should cover this as well. 

5. Jury service

If you’re called for Jury Service – a legal obligation – missing your holiday may be unavoidable. Travel insurance can cover cancellation costs in this situation too.

Why cancellation charges can be so expensive

Cancellation fees vary depending on the type of trip:

  • Package holidays: Fees increase the closer you get to your departure date – often rising from loss of deposit to 100% of the holiday cost.
  • Airline tickets: Most standard tickets are non‑refundable, meaning you lose 100% of the fare, even if you cancel months in advance.

Having insurance in place protects you from these steep costs.

Get peace of mind from the moment you book

When you book a holiday, you want to feel excited, not worried about what could go wrong. Buying travel insurance right away means you can enjoy the countdown to your trip with confidence.

Before buying, always:

  • Check what the policy covers
  • Declare any pre‑existing medical conditions
  • Consider an annual multi‑trip policy if you travel more than once a year – it’s often better value and covers you all year round.

 

Sean Tipton, Media Relations Manager | ABTA Ltd

Sean Tipton, Media Relations Manager | ABTA Ltd