25 Jul 2018 One in six (16%) of holidaymakers put off buying travel insurance until the day of, or the day before they go on holiday, according to Co-op Insurance

The insurer’s data reveals how Brits are leaving it until the last minute to take out travel insurance, putting themselves at risk financially, in the event a trip doesn’t go ahead as planned.

In addition to the one in six travellers who leave it until their holiday begins before taking out insurance, over a third don’t arrange cover until the week before their holiday.

The insurer is therefore advising Brits going away this summer to take out insurance as soon as a holiday has been booked, to avoid being disappointed and of pocket, should anything go wrong.

For families travelling with children, this is particularly important as Co-op’s research highlights that over a quarter of parents (26%) have cancelled or have considered cancelling a holiday because their child was unwell.

A spokesman for Co-op said: “It concerns me that two in five (37%) of people don’t take out travel insurance, but for those who do, it’s really important cover is taken out as soon as a holiday is booked. By doing so, people are covering themselves for scheduled airline failures, sickness meaning a holiday must be cancelled and accommodation cancellations.

“Children commonly pick up bugs which can result in families choosing to cancel a planned holiday. Where this does happen and there’s no insurance in place, families can be left out of pocket for the cost of their holiday.”

Top tips when taking out travel cover 

1. Check your insurer covers you for SAFI (scheduled Airline Failure Insurance), this means that in the event the airline your flying with goes bust
2. Be honest with any medical conditions you may have to ensure that if you do need to claim on your insurance, you’ll be fully covered
3. Buy as soon as you book – When it comes to travel insurance, it’s always best to take it out as soon as you book a holiday. This way, if there are any unexpected changes or cancellations before the trip, you’ll be covered