More than one in five holidaymakers (22%) travelled without insurance for their last trip abroad, new research from Go.Compare Travel has revealed.

When asked why they didn’t take out travel insurance, more than a third (36%) thought they didn’t need it, 31% said it was because it was just  ‘a short trip’, and a quarter (25%) said it was too expensive.

The research also found that, of those who DID take travel insurance out, nearly a quarter (23%) ended up needing to make a claim. The most common reasons for these claims were lost baggage (30%), transport delays (29%), and medical expenses (28%).*

Rhys Jones, spokesperson for Go.Compare Travel Insurance, said that travelling without insurance exposes holidaymakers to a variety of risks which can transform a dream trip into a costly and stressful ordeal.

He explained: “No matter where you are planning to head off, it’s important to make sure that you have adequate travel insurance in place in advance of your trip. If you fall ill or get injured while abroad, medical expenses can be extremely high, especially in countries without free healthcare. Without insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket for treatment, hospital stays, or even medical transportation back home.

“Our research shows that the majority of those who needed to make a claim did so due to lost baggage and transport delays. Flights can be cancelled, delayed, or disrupted due to unforeseen events such as bad weather, strikes, or personal emergencies. Without coverage, you might lose money on non-refundable bookings.

“Lost luggage, stolen passports, or missing valuables can be costly and stressful to replace. Travel insurance often helps with reimbursement and assistance in these situations.”

Rhys recommends buying travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip.

He said: “The best time to book travel insurance is as soon as you’ve made any financial commitments toward your trip, such as booking flights, accommodation, or tours. That way, you’ll have more comprehensive options and peace of mind knowing you’re protected long before your journey begins. Buying travel insurance might not be the most exciting part of planning a trip, but it’s one of the smartest.

“Recent data from Go.Compare revealed that over a quarter of holidaymakers (27%) wait until the day of departure to buy travel insurance, which leaves them completely unprotected against issues that could arise before their trip. Those buying a travel policy last minute leave themselves at risk, as they won’t be covered for any issues that arise in the run-up to their holiday, before their policy is in place – for instance, airline closures or issues with accommodation.

“The best type of travel insurance for you will depend on how often you plan to travel, where you’re going and for how long. Make sure you shop around, read the fine print, and compare coverage options from different providers and choose a plan that matches your trip. If you’re going on an adventure holiday, for example,  ensure activities like skiing or scuba diving are covered.”

For more information about the different types of travel insurance, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/travel-insurance/