martin lewis uk travel insurance

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Peace of mind while you travel.

For such an important product, travel insurance is often all too easy to overlook. As with most kinds of insurance, you always hope to not need it, but on the off chance that you do fall ill or injure yourself on your travels, you could find yourself facing huge bills if you don't have adequate cover.

Travel insurance is for more than just medical bills though - the right policy will also pay out if your flight is delayed, or if your baggage goes missing, for example.

Arguably the most important thing you'll need travel insurance for is to cover you should you fall ill or injure yourself while abroad. Medical treatment can be very expensive in other countries, as can travel in ambulances should you need to be transported to a hospital from far away. Travel insurance policies will typically cover you for a huge amount of expenditure on medical bills for a relatively low up front cost.

It's not just for medical bills though. Many policies will also cover you for:

Often, travel insurance providers will refuse to cover you for treatment related to any pre-existing medical conditions. This includes anything that you've had treatment for in the past.

Just Travel are different. They have a large panel of specialist insurers so that they can get you a tailored policy that gives you exactly the kind of cover you need, regardless of your medical history.

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Booking a holiday? Take Martin Lewis' travel insurance masterclass

The world has been closed to travel over the past few months. Yet with restrictions likely to be lifted to some EU countries today, and many airlines and hotels offering new cheap holiday deals, many may consider going away later this year. Yet our Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis is warning it’s vital to consider your travel insurance situation first…

Before we talk travel insurance, if you’re going away ensure you’ve a valid EHIC first

As most of the permitted travel is likely to be to European Union countries, make sure you’ve got your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It’s still valid till the end of this year – though from 1 January 2021, after the transition period ends, the EHIC's future is less certain (the Government says it's discussing the future of 'reciprocal healthcare arrangements', including the EHIC, with the EU, but we don’t know what that’ll be yet). The free EHIC gives you access to state-run hospitals and GPs in the EU at the same cost as a local. So, if it's free for them, it's free for you. So if travelling this year make sure you have yours, and everyone (including children) needs their own valid card. The expiry date of the card is on the front of it (bottom right). If yours is out of date you can renew if for FREE on the  official EHIC website . Beware imposter sites charging for it – don’t pay anyone, it’s free.  And remember this is no substitution for travel insurance. You’ll need that too. When should you get travel insurance?

My usual answer is ASAB - As Soon As You Book - as half the point of travel insurance is not only to cover you for while you’re away but to also protect you if something happens before you travel and have to cancel. But in March, when the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warned against all non-essential travel, travel insurance came to a near standstill and many weren’t covering holidays booked after mid-March. So, booking a future holiday would have been very risky.

But now, a few insurers are offering policies again. The dirt-cheap deals have gone, so prices are higher, but it’s still affordable. For full details see Martin’s  Cheap annual travel insurance  guide, it’ll also link you through to travel insurance for over 65s and those with pre-existing medical conditions too. 

No mainstream policies will cover travel while the FCO continues to warn against it, nor if that's lifted and your holiday's cancelled due to future UK or other countries' coronavirus travel restrictions.

However, some (not all) no-thrills new policies including from Coverwise (Silver), Axa (Silver) and CoverForYou (Silver) will cover medical costs relating to coronavirus if you catch it overseas or if you or a family member get coronavirus before travelling and then can't travel. It can cost as little as £18 annual European cover for an individual under 66, or £8.50 for a one-week single European trip. Many of these offer older travellers cover too though prices increase. Other insurers like Leisure Guard, Staysure, Saga and Post Office will only cover you for medical costs once abroad, but not if you want to cancel beforehand due to covid. So do double check any policy before buying.

For those with pre-existing medical conditions many insurers currently have coronavirus exclusions on their policies. But it’s worth trying specialist medical comparison sites. A good starting point is  All Clear Travel  and  Staysure , as we know they will provide coronavirus medical assistance while abroad, including repatriation if needed, but do check others.

Are those who already have annual travel insurance still covered?

You  may  be, but it depends on when you got the insurance and booked the holiday...

- Had cover and a holiday booked before mid-March?  If both were sorted before the FCO warned against all non-essential travel, most (though not all) policies should cover you for cancellation while the FCO warning remains in place. Though your insurer will want you to try for refunds from the airline/travel firm first. The same should apply if the Government lifts then reimposes restrictions - provided your holiday was booked before mid-March.

- Booked holiday after mid-March?  If you booked after the FCO warning, you WON'T be covered for cancellation due to coronavirus travel restrictions or disruption.

- Annual travel insurance lapsing and booked a holiday before mid-March? DON'T switch firm.   If your insurance is about to expire, renew your cover with the same firm ASAP if you can. Most offer a continuation of existing coronavirus cancellation cover for holidays booked before the FCO warning, so stick with it, as you can't get that cover elsewhere.

If the holiday was booked after mid-March, you're unlikely to be covered for cancellation, so switching isn't such an issue.

- Not got travel booked and annual policy expiring?  There's little benefit in renewing immediately, as you only get the coronavirus continuity on holidays that were in place pre-March.

If I’ve got annual travel insurance and am not planning to use it can I get a refund?

Maybe. Some major travel insurers including Axa, Churchill, Direct Line and Co-op are offering pro-rata refunds to customers who've ruled out travelling due to coronavirus and want to cancel their policy, though you can only do this if you haven't already made a claim on your policy. Plus, only consider doing this if you don't have any travel still booked and if you've sorted a refund for any trips that have been cancelled, as once you've cancelled your travel insurance, it obviously won't give you any further protection.

If you’re passport needs renewing do it ASAP

And just a final note, if your passport is at or nearing expiry, then renew it ASAP. The Passport Office is warning, understandably, that renewing is taking longer than the usual 3 weeks and I’m hearing reports that at the extreme, some are taking 3 months or more, while fast-track services and face-to-face appointments are suspended. So, if you've a trip planned later this summer sort it quickly. Apply via the official  Gov site  and an adult passport costs £75.50 online (£85.50 for the jumbo 50-page passport) or £85 by paper (£95 for the 50-pager). And 'no passport' isn't covered on most travel insurance.

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Showing now | lifestyle.

Mary-Kate Findon | Tuesday 18 July 2023 07:34 BST

Martin Lewis urges travellers to pay for travel insurance when booking holidays

Martin Lewis has urged anyone who will be packing their bags for a trip any time soon to buy travel insurance.

While many holidaymakers tend to avoid paying the extra fee until they're jetting off, the MoneySavingExpert founder has warned against it.

"I need you to understand - travel insurance is not just to protect you when you go away," he told his audience on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live in January 2023.

He urged Britons to get their insurance "ASAB - as soon as you book."

This is to give you some comeback if you cannot travel due to illness.

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Lifestyle | Travel

Travel insurance and coronavirus: Why travellers should buy cover as soon as they book a holiday

Travellers are urged to purchase insurance as soon as they book their holiday, as the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across popular travel destinations, including Tenerife , Italy and Vietnam.

The first cases identified were among people connected to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan in China.

However, the infection has since spread, affecting 81 countries and territories worldwide.

Across the globe, the virus has infected more than 90,000 people and caused over 3,100 deaths.

As the number of confirmed cases rises, we take a look at the official advice for those booking travel or going on holiday.

When should I get travel insurance?

According to Money Saving Expert's Martin Lewis, travellers should purchase cover as soon as they book their holiday.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Mr Lewis said: “This is the big warning.

“I do it every year - I talk about booking travel insurance ASAB - as soon as you book.

“Because if you don’t and something happens in the meantime before you get travel insurance, you’re not covered.”

What does my travel insurance cover?

If you have travel insurance and the Foreign Office announces you can't travel, you will be covered for the cost of your flight cancellations.

Martin Lewis warned: "Well, anyone who has booked a holiday now for this year, if you have not got travel insurance, if you get the travel insurance and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office then says you can’t go to a country, you’re covered.

“If the Foreign & Commonwealth Office rules out a country in future and you haven’t got travel insurance at that point, you’re not covered.”

However, you will only be covered if the Foreign Office announces that you cannot travel. You will not be covered if you personally decide to rule out travelling due to a fear of becoming contaminated.

Which countries have been affected by coronavirus?

The UK Government said people returning from Hubei province in China, Iran, lockdown areas in northern Italy and special care zones in South Korea in the last 14 days should immediately self-isolate at home and call NHS 111.

People returning from a number of other countries including the rest of China and Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore should self-isolate if they develop symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath.

It also said those returning from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Burma and northern Italy above Pisa should self-isolate if they show symptoms.

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Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars).

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Initial symptoms of the novel coronavirus include fever, cough, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

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• Welcome to Travel Insurance Compared
• Martin Lewis Insurance
• Pre Existing Conditions
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Martin Lewis Travel Insurance for over 70s

• by over80admin
• January 12, 2023 September 5, 2023

Martin Lewis’ travel insurance

Money Saving Expert’s top travel insurance tips guide you through all aspects of holiday insurance. From booking your cover through to making a claim, Martin Lewis and his money saving team explain:

When to book your holiday insurance What is covered Pre-existing conditions Annual vs single trip travel insurance over 70s Cruise travel insurance Over 70s travel insurance

As many packaged bank accounts provide travel insurance as part of the service, you may find you are already covered. Therefore, Martin Lewis’ advice is to check before you buy. What else does the Money Saving Expert say about travel insurance?

In addition to buying the right travel insurance to suit your needs and being honest when you apply, make sure you get the cover well before you leave.

This site is not affiliated, associated, or in any way officially connected with Martin Lewis or MoneySavingExpert.com or their subsidiaries. The names of these companies, as well as related names, marks, emblems, brands, and images, are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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Martin Lewis talks specialist Travel Insurance

“You have a pre-existing condition… You’ll be looking at some form of specialist insurance policy to get the price down,  places like AllClear Travel …”  – Martin Lewis (Founder of Money Saving Expert)

How you can save money and travel with peace of mind

It was great to be a suggested Travel Insurance provider on The Martin Lewis Money Show.

Leading financial expert, Martin Lewis raised a lot of valid points about how you can make sure you get the right travel insurance cover, at the right price.

Basic travel insurance – like the policies of some bank accounts – often  provide no cover for pre-existing medical conditions.  Or the premium greatly increases once conditions are included.

On the other hand, specialist Travel Insurance providers have the expertise to offer the right cover at a sensible price.

ABTA recently revealed that  40% of British holidaymakers  went abroad in 2017 with the wrong cover. This led to a staggering  9.9 million travellers  being at risk of having their claim turned down last year! And if you need any more convincing about having specialist cover, consider these claim statistics:

• An air ambulance from the USA cost between  £80,000 – £100,000
• An insect bite cost one traveller a £136,000 bill
• Travel insurers pay out more than £1,000,000 every single day

Not got around to buying your travel insurance yet?

If you already realise the importance of travel insurance, but you just haven’t got round to buying it yet, have another listen to Martin Lewis:

“If you have booked your holiday, but don’t have travel insurance, do it tonight, otherwise you’re running a risk. Don’t leave it, that’s pointless.”

If you want your travel insurance to cover you for cancellation, have your policy in place  as soon as you book your holiday .   This important to get full protection, and for your own peace of mind. Read on for the reasons why…

To cover your pre-existing medical conditions:

If you have a  pre-existing medical condition , it can be vital that your travel insurance includes cancellation cover. If you have a last-minute medical emergency, you won’t want to lose out on the money you’ve spent if you can’t travel. Provided you declare all your medical conditions at the time you take out your policy, you should be able to recover your costs and re-book your holiday for when the doctor declares you well enough to travel.

To cover more than the GHIC

In the show, Martin also talks about the GHIC (then EHIC). He explains that Travel Insurance often includes cover for repatriation and cancellation (as well as lost or stolen baggage) – all of which you don’t get with a GHIC.

You can use the following checklist to make sure your Travel Insurance cover is comprehensive:

• Cancellation:  if you need to cancel your holiday before go
• Medical expenses : for illness and accidents when you are abroad
• Personal accident : for death or permanent disablement
• Curtailment : when needed to cut your holiday short
• Lost documents : cover for passports, tickets etc
• Possessions & baggage : for lost and stolen bags including contents
• Personal liability : when an accident caused by you affects a third party

So don’t take the risk – take out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday.

Which means all that’s left to do is enjoy your trip! And should anything happen..  your specialist insurance will take care of you 24/7  – wherever you are.

We hope to help you travel with peace of mind soon!

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Martin Lewis Travel Insurance with Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Travel insurance is vital to planning any trip, providing peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. However, finding suitable travel insurance coverage for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions can be daunting. Martin Lewis, a renowned financial expert and founder of MoneySavingexpert.com, offers valuable insights and guidance on navigating travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions. This comprehensive guide will explore Martin Lewis’s recommendations, tips, and strategies for securing appropriate travel insurance coverage while managing pre-existing medical conditions effectively.

PUBLISHED DATE :

Understanding Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Challenges faced by individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, martin lewis's tips for travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions, why consider martin lewis's views.

Before delving into Martin Lewis’s advice on travel insurance, it is essential to understand what constitutes a pre-existing medical condition. In the context of travel insurance, a pre-existing medical condition is any illness, injury, or medical condition for which you’ve received treatment, medication, or advice from a healthcare professional before purchasing your travel insurance policy. This includes chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and cancer, as well as acute conditions such as recent surgeries or injuries.

Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions face unique challenges when obtaining travel insurance coverage. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or impose strict limitations and exclusions, leaving travellers with medical conditions vulnerable to financial risk and uncertainty. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing conditions may encounter difficulties finding affordable coverage or may be subjected to high premiums and excesses, making travel insurance prohibitively expensive.

On this Page (TOC)

Martin Lewis offers practical advice and strategies for seeking travel insurance coverage for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Here are some critical tips from Martin Lewis:

Declare Your Medical Conditions The most crucial step when purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions is to accurately and honestly declare all relevant medical conditions when applying for coverage. Failing to disclose pre-existing conditions can invalidate your policy and leave you uninsured in the event of a claim. Be thorough in providing details about your medical history, including any medications you’re taking, treatments you’ve received, and any recent changes in your health.

Look Around for Specialist Providers While many mainstream insurers may offer limited coverage or high premiums for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, there are specialist providers and niche insurers that cater specifically to this market. Take the time to research and compare quotes from specialist insurers who specialise in providing comprehensive coverage for travellers with pre-existing conditions. Websites such as MoneySavingexpert.com offer comparison tools and resources to help you find suitable coverage at competitive rates.

Consider Medical Screening Some travel insurance providers offer medical screening services as part of the application process, allowing you to provide detailed information about your pre-existing conditions and receive a personalised quote based on your health profile. Participating in medical screening can help insurers assess your risk more accurately and may result in lower premiums or more comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs.

Look for Policy extensions Specific travel insurance policies offer optional extensions or upgrades that enhance coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. These extensions may include increased coverage limits, reduced excesses, or additional benefits such as cover for medical repatriation or emergency medical expenses related to your pre-existing conditions. Be sure to inquire about available policy extensions and carefully review the terms and conditions to determine if they meet your needs.

Consider Annual Multi-trip Policies If you travel frequently throughout the year, consider purchasing an annual multi-trip travel insurance rather than a single-trip policy. Annual policies typically provide coverage for multiple trips within a specified period and offer convenience and cost-saving opportunities for frequent travellers. When selecting a yearly policy, check if coverage for pre-existing medical conditions extends to all trips or if there are any limitations or exclusions based on trip duration or destination.

Review Policy Exclusions and Limitations Before purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions, carefully review the policy exclusions and limitations to understand what is covered and what is not. Pay close attention to any specific exclusions related to your medical conditions, such as restrictions on certain activities or treatments. If you have concerns or questions about the policy terms, seek clarification from the insurer or consult a qualified insurance advisor.

Consider EHIC or GHIC Coverage If you’re travelling within the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), consider obtaining a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its successor, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). EHIC and GHIC provide access to state-provided healthcare services in EU and EEA countries, including necessary medical treatment for pre-existing conditions at reduced or no cost. While EHIC and GHIC are not substitutes for travel insurance, they can complement your coverage and provide additional peace of mind while travelling in Europe.

Considering Martin Lewis’s views on travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions is crucial due to his expertise and reputation as a financial expert. Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingexpert.com, offers valuable insights and guidance on navigating the complexities of travel insurance, particularly for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. His advice is grounded in extensive research, experience, and a deep understanding of the insurance industry, making it a reliable source for travellers seeking comprehensive coverage. By heeding Martin Lewis’s recommendations, travellers can make informed decisions, find suitable insurance policies tailored to their needs, and ensure adequate financial protection while travelling with pre-existing medical conditions.

Securing appropriate travel insurance coverage with pre-existing medical conditions may require careful planning, research, and consideration of various factors. By following Martin Lewis’s advice and implementing practical strategies, individuals with pre-existing conditions can find suitable coverage that meets their needs and provides financial protection while travelling. Remember to declare all relevant medical conditions accurately, shop around for specialist providers, consider policy extensions and upgrades, and review policy terms and exclusions carefully before purchasing coverage. With the right approach and guidance, travellers with pre-existing medical conditions can enjoy worry-free travel and confidently explore the world.

What is Martin Lewis travel insurance advice?

Martin Lewis’ advice on travel insurance includes information on when and how to insure your holiday. In addition to providing general information on what to look out for when reviewing travel insurance policies, Martin Lewis also advises on travel insurance for the over 70s and cruise travel insurance too.

Who is the Money Saving Expert’s Martin Lewis?

Martin Lewis OBE is a journalist, TV & radio presenter, campaigner and peoples champion for consumer rights. Famous for saving people money, Lewis is renowned for challenging unfair practices by industry giants like the banks and energy companies.

Having founded the Money Saving Expert website in 2003, Martin Lewis is now the UK’s most googled British man.

What are Martin Lewis’ travel insurance top tips?

Money Saving Expert’s top travel insurance tips guide you through all aspects of holiday insurance. From booking your cover through to making a claim, Martin Lewis and his money saving team explain:

• When to book your holiday insurance
• What is covered
• Pre-existing conditions
• Annual vs single trip travel insurance
• Cruise travel insurance
• Over 70s travel insurance
• The impacts of Brexit and coronavirus  

Don’t wait to buy travel insurance

Many people wait until just before they travel to buy holiday insurance however Martin Lewis warns against this. Money Saving Expert advises to book your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday, so you are covered for events leading to cancelation before you travel.

Make sure your holiday insurance suits your requirements

This section of the Money Saving Expert travel insurance guide explains what could be covered in your insurance including:

• Medical cover – the cost of being treated abroad and repatriation fees
• Cancellation cover – if you can’t go on holiday because of redundancy, illness or jury service
• Baggage and personal belongings – in the event your belongings are lost, stolen or damaged
• Personal liability – protecting others against accidents you cause whilst on holiday
• Delays – if your flight has been delayed over a specified number of hours

The amount of cover you get and the excess you’re willing to pay will vary from policy to policy so it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully.

The guide also covers what isn’t covered by holiday insurance including pre-existing medical conditions, alcohol related injuries, dangerous sporting activities, belongings left unattended, travel to dangerous countries and being refused entry to the country you are visiting.

Finally, this section highlights the difference between european and worldwide travel insurance and warns against being duped into buying upgraded travel insurance if you don’t need it.

Be honest about pre-existing conditions

As with any type of insurance, it’s important to be honest with your insurer as withholding information may invalidate your policy. Martin Lewis therefore advises when arranging holiday insurance to always disclose any pre-existing medical conditions you have.

Compare annual vs single trip travel insurance

You may think single trip travel insurance may be cheaper however if you think you are going to travel more than once in the year, annual travel insurance may be better.

Check if your bank provides travel insurance

As many packaged bank accounts provide travel insurance as part of the service, you may find you are already covered. Therefore, Martin Lewis’ advice is to check before you buy.

What else does the Money Saving Expert say about travel insurance?

In addition to buying the right travel insurance to suit your needs and being honest when you apply, Martin Lewis and the Money Saving Expert team provide information on the following hot topics:

Martin Lewis on travel insurance after Brexit

Brexit’s impact on Travel insurance and what happens after the 31st December 2020 is still unknown. Lewis states that currently it looks as though there shouldn’t be disruption to transportation or change to flight delay compensation rules however you may have to pay a £6 visa waiver for EU holidays.

In this state of influx, if you’re planning a holiday after Brexit, it’s important to read the terms and conditions of a travel insurance policy before buying it.

Also remember that although the future of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is unknown, you can still use it until the end of this year.

Martin Lewis on cruise travel insurance

Cruise travel insurance is worth considering if you’re heading to the seas. Regular holiday insurance will cover medical fees and loss or damage to your belongings however upgrading to cruise travel insurance ensures you’re also covered for missed departures, changes in itinerary, unused excursions, or cabin confinement due to virus’.

Martin Lewis on travel insurance for the over 70s

Martin Lewis’ travel advice to over 65 and 70 year olds is similar to that for younger travelers. Honesty where pre-existing medical conditions are concerned  is a must. This may mean you need to get specialist travel cover but at least you know your holiday insurance will be valid.

In addition, Money Saving Expert warns older travelers holidaying with family to compare group and individual holiday insurance. Group travel insurance covers several people under one policy which can save money. However, as the cost of group insurance is usually based on the oldest traveler, separate cover may be cheaper.

Martin Lewis on travel money

Martin Lewis provides information and tips on getting the best travel money deals. You can also compare exchange rates with their travel money comparison tool TravelMoneyMax . Lewis advises that the ‘right’ specialist card can be best when chosen wisely but to be aware of credit card or debit card charges.

Money Saving Expert also warn against buying travel money at airports as the exchange rates are some of the worst you can get.

Martin Lewis on Coronavirus travel rights

Coronavirus has brought most of the world to a standstill where travel is concerned. Flights, holidays and events have been cancelled and borders for many countries closed, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warning against all non-essential travel.

The situation is changing constantly so Martin Lewis’ best advice for travel during the coronavirus pandemic is to check with the FCO.

Does the Money Saving Expert offer travel insurance?

Money Saving Expert offer travel insurance through several different companies, including insurance providers and comparison websites. These include but are not limited to Coverwise, MoneySupermarket, Confused, Gocompare and Compare the Market.

Using online comparison services like Over50choices travel insurance comparison tool gives you the opportunity to check prices with the UKs leading insurers. But in addition to checking the price, as Martin Lewis warns, it’s also essential to check the terms and conditions too.

Did you find this information helpful?

Martin Lewis warns of travel insurance 'mistake' to avoid when booking your holiday

The Money Saving Expert said that his 'heart sinks' when holidaymakers come to him because the error means they can't get a refund from their airline

• 18:34, 12 JAN 2023

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Martin Lewis has issued a word of warning to anyone planning a trip abroad as peak holiday booking season gets under way.

The MoneySavingExpert founder shared a number of top travel tips in his latest newsletter - including how to steer clear of a "mistake" that many holidaymakers are guilty of when it comes to booking their holidays. This error, according to the finance expert, is leaving their travel insurance to sort out closer to the time.

Martin wrote: "Each spring without fail, someone asks me a heart-breaking question. Usually they've been diagnosed with cancer or another serious condition that needs long-term treatment, and they won't be able to go on their summer holiday.

READ MORE: Martin Lewis urges Brits to spend £1 now to save hundreds in the future

"Yet the airline won't refund them - within its rights as the ticket is not faulty," he explained. "I say, 'that's what travel insurance is for'. Sometimes though, they tell me they haven't got round to getting it yet.

"My heart sinks as I have to tell them there's no recourse. Half the point of the cover is to protect you if things happen that stop you going, so get it ASAB - As Soon As you Book."

Martin went on to explain the cheapest options for travel insurance based on what your holiday plans are. If you are planning more than one holiday this year, he advised, then you should opt for annual travel insurance as this will usually work out cheaper than booking insurance separately even for just two trips.

If you are only going away once, Martin suggested taking out single trip insurance - and shopping around a few providers to find the best one to suit your circumstances. Prices start at around £9 per week for one person travelling, with the cost depending on your age and where you're going - though prices can "rocket" if you are aged 66 or over or have a pre-existing medical condition, he warned.

In addition, the money expert advised seasoned travellers to check whether they can save money on travel insurance with a packaged bank account which offers protection for a monthly fee. "Used smartly, these can get you £100s of insurance at a fraction of the cost, beating standalone policies," he explained, suggesting Nationwide's FlexPlus as MSE's "top pick" which also provides mobile phone insurance and breakdown cover.

Finally, Martin urged holidaymakers to ensure they have a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or its replacement the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) card before they travel. These free cards entitle you to medical treatment in state-run hospitals and GPs in EU countries and Switzerland for the same price as a local.

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Martin Lewis’ MSE urges drivers to complete easy questionnaire that could ‘save £100s’ on car insurance

• Jacob Jaffa , Motors Reporter
• Published : 11:51, 25 Sep 2024
• Updated : 18:41, 25 Sep 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

MARTIN Lewis' MSE has urged drivers to complete an easy questionnaire which could "save them hundreds" on car insurance.

Brits are in the midst of one of the busiest months for insurance renewals but could be missing out on cash by taking the easy route.

When your policy is up for renewal, it's tempting to just let it roll over with your current insurer, especially if you're happy with the cover you receive.

But the experts warn that this is one of the worst things you can do for your wallet.

Allowing your insurance to auto-renew effectively gives your provider a blank cheque to increase your premium each year.

And with premiums hitting an all-time high by the end of last year, that could leave you shelling out hundreds more than you need to.

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Instead, the MSE team suggest using their Compare+ insurance checker on their website to find the best deal.

Shopping around is always a good plan as you could find the same coverage for less elsewhere.

And even if you don't get a better rate, you can always fall back on your current insurer.

You may often find that renegotiating your deal ahead of the renewal date can get you lower payments compared to auto-renewal with the same provider.

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This is largely down to how companies assess risk, with those conscientious enough to renew manually well ahead of the deadline seen as less risky and, therefore, cheaper to insure.

Using Compare+, which is completely free on the MSE site, you can see when is the best time to buy insurance as well as tips on how getting extra cover or adding more drivers to the policy could actually save you money.

One MSE reader, named as Mary, reportedly saved £300 on her renewal thanks to the gizmo.

All you have to do is fill out one easy questionnaire and you will be provided with the best quotes MSE can find, top tips and links to other comparison websites.

The team said: "September (and March) tend to be the busiest time for renewals.

"With our Compare+ Car Insurance tool you fill in just one questionnaire, and it gives you a comparison result, shows you the cheapest time to buy, and whether to add an extra driver and check other comparisons, plus more tips to save."

It comes after fuel prices were predicted to fall to their lowest since 2021 in a win for motorists.

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