Over one in five (21%) travel insurance claims are for holiday cancellation, according to travel insurance provider, Multitrip.com, meaning something went wrong before the holiday even began. Multitrip.com is urging holidaymakers to purchase their travel insurance as soon as they book , also known as ‘ASAB’, to ensure they are covered from the outset.

Cancellation reasons are not always related to your own health or situation. In fact, 32% of cancellation claims  were due to the illness or injury of a travelling companion, 13% resulted from the death of a non-travelling relative and 8% involved the illness or injury of a non-travelling relative.

Not having travel insurance exposes travellers to potential financial loss if the holiday does have to be cancelled , yet according to a Multitrip.com 2024 data more than half (55%) [1] of those who buy its single trip travel insurance policies buy them less than seven days prior to departure. This delay means they lose out on this critical coverage.

Christian Bennett from Multitrip.com said: “If you wait until closer to departure to arrange your travel insurance and then find yourself in the unfortunate position of not being able to travel – for example, if you or your travel companion or a close relative is diagnosed with a serious illness – you may not be able to recover the cost of your trip. That’s why we’re urging holidaymakers to get cover sorted as soon as they book their flight or holiday. Travel insurance is too important to be an afterthought.”

Multitrip.com offers a range of policies to suit different needs and budgets. The Annual ‘Essential Cover’ policy, starting from just £19.994, includes up to £1,000 per insured person for cancellation or curtailment and £1,600 for baggage or baggage delay.

For those looking for added reassurance, Premier and Premier Plus Cover provide additional benefits beyond the Essential Cover, offering greater flexibility and protection for your trip. ‘Premier Cover ‘ provides up to £3,000 per insured person for cancellation or curtailment and up to £2,000 for baggage. The ‘ Premier Plus Cover ‘ offers the most extensive protection, with up to £5,000 for cancellation or curtailment and up to £3,500 for baggage or baggage delay.