Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning for people thinking of booking a summer holiday this month.
The Money Saving Expert told Good Morning Britain that January is the biggest holiday booking month, but all too often people forget to buy travel insurance at the same time.
He said: "You need cover from the moment you go, yet far too many people book a holiday and then leave the cover until later.
"Sadly too often I hear stories like 'I’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, I was due to go on holiday in six weeks, but now need chemo. The airline won’t refund my ticket, what can I do?'"
But he said at that stage it's usually too late to do anything.
He said: "Travel insurance's job is to cover you if you cant go, but if you only get it before you go, or you're missing out all the cover that it protects you in case an eventuality happens before the holiday, such as long term cancer treatment or somebody dying in the family."
He added: "You're only covered for cancellation if you have insurance before an illness/injury, job loss, jury service call-up etc. So whether going away soon or later this year, buy ASAB (as you soon as you've booked)."
He said that policies can be bought online for as little at £9 per person in some cases, and travellers should keep an eye out for the best deals on comparison sites.
He said anyone who goes away at least two times a year is likely to be better off with an annual policy.
