10 travel myths debunked...

From when and where to purchase insurance and disclosing medical conditions to understanding whether you need to purchase baggage cover, Aviva’s Kelly Whittington, Director of Travel Claims, sets the record straight when it comes to making sure you’re protected this half term:

WRONG! Research by Aviva shows that 8% of Brits plan to purchase their insurance a week before their holiday, with a further 4% planning to do so while at the airport, train, bus or ferry station1. Leaving it to the last minute or en route means that you could have your claim rejected. This is because you technically need to have insurance in place before you leave your home to make a claim.   

Leaving it until the day of your holiday also means that you won’t be protected in the lead up to your trip. For example, in the unfortunate event you were to become unwell or have a bereavement and wanted to cancel, travel insurance could reimburse you for any unrecoverable costs such as pre-booked accommodation and flights  . According to our data, the average cost of cancelling a holiday last year was £7532 and so by taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday, it will give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected both in the lead up to your trip and while away.

WRONG! In the event you became unwell, for example, and needed to cancel your trip, travel insurance can provide cover for any unused travel and accommodation both abroad and in the UK. For holidays in the UK, most travel insurance policies will cover pre-booked holiday accommodation of two nights or more, so it’s worth reviewing your policy documents to see if  you are protected.

IT DEPENDS! Although most insurers will offer policies for European or Worldwide cover, there can be some variation when it comes to the countries covered under these terms. For example, some policies may offer worldwide cover which excludes the USA, Canada and Caribbean Islands and others may have certain criteria when it comes to which countries are classed as being in Europe.  Checking your policy documents to see which countries are covered will only take a few minutes, but it could save you thousands of pounds if you need to make a claim.

Furthermore, if the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to the destination you’re visiting, but you decide to travel anyway, you’re unlikely to be able to make a claim, should you require things like medical treatment or assistance while abroad. Rules change frequently, so it’s worth keeping an eye on both the government website and local government services for any particular advice before you travel. 

IT DEPENDS! According to Aviva claims data, under 10s are three times as likely to have a travel claim than those aged 21-30 years-old  3 - who are also the least likely to claim over summer - which is why it’s important to make sure children are protected while away. Most holidaymakers should be able to add their children to their policy as a named traveller, however there can be an age limit – and certain other criteria - that can apply. For example, with some insurers, the named child (children) will need to travel with the parent in order to be covered, so it’s always worth checking with your insurer if you have plans to travel separately. Most age limits tend to be 18 and under, although this can increase to 25 in some cases. 

TRICK QUESTION! An annual policy is designed for people who frequently travel and provides cover for multiple trips taken over the 12 months the policy is in force. Just be aware that most policies will provide cover for up to a maximum of 30/31 days per trip, so if you plan to go away longer than this, you may need to contact your insurer to get a trip extension. 

IT DEPENDS! Baggage cover usually covers your personal belongings and baggage during your trip if they’re lost, stolen or damaged. In some cases this is included as standard, but can often be added onto the policy for a fee. It’s worth noting that baggage cover will not cover you if your belongings (including cash) are left unattended, so if it’s important to you, either keep it on you or find somewhere to lock it away safe. All policies will have single item limits and you may need specific insurance for expensive items such as jewellery or sports equipment.  

It’s also worth looking at your existing home insurance policy to see if you have personal belongings cover, which could insure your items outside of the home, anywhere in the world. Doing so could prevent you from needing to purchase additional travel insurance for your belongings.

WRONG! Although cruises can be covered as standard in some policies, this isn’t always the case and varies amongst insurers. Depending on your policy, you may need to purchase an additional add on or upgrade, known as ’cruise cover’ which will protect you against travel risks specific to cruises such as missed ports. If ever in doubt, contact your insurer directly.

WRONG! When it comes to your health - or the health of anyone else on your policy - it’s really important to speak to your insurer regarding any existing/ pre-existing medical conditions or ongoing medical investigations. In some instances, insurers ask to be notified of any health changes between taking out insurance and travelling, or at renewal in case this affects your cover. Every insurer has different requirements and so if you’re ever in doubt, it’s worth speaking with them to clarify. 

WRONG! Though travel insurance protects you for a range of instances, booking scams are unfortunately not covered under most travel policies. There are lots of helpful guides to help travellers be vigilant when booking a trip away.

IT DEPENDS! It’s always good to read through the policy details to see if it provides cover for selected sports on your upcoming trip. Although some policies won’t cover you for more dangerous sports such as paragliding, scuba diving and winter sports, the good news is that you can usually add this on to your policy for a fee.   

-Ends-

^{1. The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2,002 national rep general consumers (18+) between 06.03.24 - 12.03.24. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.}

^{2. Aviva claims data taken from 2023}

^{3. Aviva claims data taken from July- September 2019-2024}

• We are the UK’s leading diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China.
• We help our 19.5 million (as at 30 June 2024) customers make the most out of life, plan for the future, and have the confidence that if things go wrong we’ll be there to put it right.
• We have been taking care of people for more than 325 years, in line with our purpose of being ‘with you today, for a better tomorrow’. In 2023, we paid £25.6 billion in claims and benefits to our customers.
• In 2021, we announced our ambition to become Net Zero by 2040, the first major insurance company in the world to do so. We are aiming to have Net Zero carbon emissions from Aviva’s operations and supply chain by 2030. While we are working towards our sustainability ambitions, we recognise that while we have control over Aviva’s operations and influence on our supply chain, when it comes to decarbonising the economy in which we operate and invest, Aviva is one part of a far larger global ecosystem. There are also limits to our ability to influence other organisations and governments. Nevertheless, we remain focused on the task and are committed to playing our part in the collective effort to enable the global transition. Find out more about our climate goals at www.aviva.com/climate-goals and our sustainability ambition and action at www.aviva.com/sustainability
• Aviva is a Living Wage, Living Pension and Living Hours employer and provides market-leading benefits for our people, including flexible working, paid carers leave and equal parental leave. Find out more at https://www.aviva.com/about-us/our-people/
• As at 30 June 2024, total Group assets under management at Aviva Group were £398 billion and our estimated Solvency II shareholder capital surplus was £8.2 billion. Our shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and we are a member of the FTSE 100 index.
• For more details on what we do, our business and how we help our customers, visit www.aviva.com/about-us