Martin Lewis has warned Britons about the urgency of purchasing travel insurance. While many people wait until just before their departure to invest in a policy, Mr Lewis has stated this is not a wise decision.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain, the money saving expert advised travellers purchase insurance “ASAB” or “as soon as you’ve booked.”
With January being a peak time for holiday plans coming to fruition, Mr Lewis emphasised the importance of looking into an adequate policy now.
He explained: “January is the biggest holiday booking month, and if you’ve just book yours, make sure you’ve sorted your travel insurance out too.
“You need cover from the moment you go, yet far too many people book a holiday and then leave the cover until later.”
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“So whether going away soon or later this year, buy ASAB.”
Although travel insurance covers everything from lost luggage to unexpected medical emergencies on holiday, it also protects you if a situation arises that means you can’t go.
Mr Lewis adds: “There are many cheap, decent value policies available online and via comparison sites from as little as £9 for a no-frills year’s European cover for an individual.
“If you go away two or more times a year then annual policies usually win.”
Britons who are booking holidays should also be sure that their passports are up to date ahead of the impending European Union departure.
The UK is set to withdraw from the EU on January 31, and invalid passports could scupper travel plans.
British passports will remain a valid document but having one will no longer make Britons an EU citizen.
During the transition period, British travellers can enter and leave Europe visa-free and without additional travel documents.
However, Gov.co.uk advises that all British passport holders check to see if they need to renew their passport due to changes after Brexit.
“You may need to renew your British passport earlier if you’re travelling after Brexit,” the site explains.
“On the day you travel, you’ll need your passport to both:
have at least six months left
be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)
“If you do not renew it, you may not be able to travel to most EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.”
Holidaymakers should also consider purchasing a travel insurance policy with a Brexit disruption add-on, in case of transport delays as a result of the political changes.
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