Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert website has issued a travel insurance warning to millions of Brits planning a summer holiday.
MSE is urging jet-setters to check they’ve got the right cover for them - and to get travel insurance as soon as they’ve booked their trip.
The coronavirus pandemic has seen travel plans thrown up in the air for millions of people, and jetting abroad has never been more confusing thanks to ever-changing rules.
But if you are planning a holiday abroad, MoneySavingExpert has rounded up a list of coronavirus-related issues which you’re likely to be covered for by some providers - and which ones you won’t.
Of course, these aren’t blanket rules for all travel insurance companies, meaning you’ll need to check the terms and conditions of your policy carefully.
In general, MSE says most travel insurance companies will cover you if you, or your family, has caught coronavirus before you’re due to jet off.
Some insurance policies will now also cover you if you’ve been told to self-isolate by the Test and Trace service or if you’ve been “pinged” by the NHS app.
Some will also cover expenses - such as medical or if you can’t travel home - if you or your family catch Covid while abroad.
But very few policies will cover you can't travel due to lockdown or a change of travel advice, MSE warned.
Similarly, no policies will give you money back for your tip if you refuse to go as you’d need to self-isolate when you get home, or if you don’t want to travel because you don’t feel safe.
Finally - and this one is a blanket rule - if you decide to go away and the Foreign Office has warned against travel to your destination, you won’t be covered unless you have specialist insurance.
If the Foreign Office advises against "all but essential travel" or "all travel" this may trigger a refund, depending on how you booked your trip.
Package holiday firms should refund you, but this isn't always the case with individually booked flights and hotels as you don't have the same protection.
It is still worth asking your airline and hotel for a refund as many will cancel trips and offer money back.
For the cheapest travel policies right now, MSE says it found single trip cover from Leisure Guard, Coverwise (Bronze) and CoverForYou (Silver) that costs £9 a week for one person travelling to Europe.
Keep in mind these are basic levels of cover, so you’ll need to check the wording of the policy to see exactly how you’re protected.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re over 65, travel insurance prices will get more expensive as you’re considered a higher risk to cover.
MSE said: “Summer holidays abroad are back on for many, and that means sun, sea, sand and... sorting your travel insurance.
“For years we've highlighted the importance of buying a policy as soon as you book, so you're covered if you need to cancel before you go.
“That message still stands, though this year it's also crucial to know what Covid cover is included.”
How to find cheap travel insurance
You can use a search comparison website such as Compare the Market or Moneysupermarket to check the latest prices for travel insurance.
You'll need to enter details about yourself, such as your age, as well as information about your trip, including where you're going and for how long.
Remember to check the level of cover carefully, as the cheapest policies may not necessarily provide all the protection you need.
For example, you'll need to look at the levels of medical expenses and cancellation cover, as well as how much personal belongings insurance you get.
It might be tempting to buy travel insurance without looking at a lengthy policy document, but you should never take the risk.
