Martin Lewis has issued a warning to holidaymakers with a European trip booked this summer, urging them to secure travel insurance immediately after booking. The Money Saving Expert emphasised the importance of coverage, stating: "If you can afford the holiday, you can afford travel insurance."
Travel Insurance for as Little as £7
Lewis highlighted that a person around the age of 18 can obtain travel insurance for a week-long holiday in Europe for as little as £7 at the basic level. He advised: "Get your travel insurance ASAB - as soon as you book - because half the purpose of travel insurance is it covers you before you go away in case something happens before you go away that stops you going away so that you're covered."
Potential Risks Without Insurance
He warned of numerous issues that could arise, such as falling ill and needing serious treatment or requiring repatriation. "If you were to get ill beforehand so you couldn't go, I think for the sake of £7 if you're going abroad which will be the type of price - £7 to £10 - depending where you're going, for a week away in Europe," Lewis said. He concluded: "If you can afford to pay for the holiday, you can afford to get your travel insurance."
GHIC Card Essential for European Travel
Alongside travel insurance, Lewis recommended obtaining a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which is free and provides access to state-run hospitals or GPs in EU countries. "That gives you treatment in the state run hospital and European Union country or equivalent at the same cost as a local. So if it's free for them it's free for you," he explained. He added that if local people do not pay for GP visits, GHIC cardholders can also see a doctor without charge.
