Short trips need travel insurance too

10 June 2008

Norwich Union warns of importance of travel insurance

According to myfinances.co.uk, Norwich Union has told holidaymakers that travel insurance is a sensible purchase especially in light of the average travel claim.

Norwich Union said that the biggest unexpected cost likely to be encountered by travellers is for medical expenses.

“Medical emergencies are the biggest single cause of travel claims,” said Sally Leeman, from Norwich Union.

“The cost of an injury or consequences of an illness that requires hospitalisation and then repatriation can leave a traveller thousands of pounds out of pocket.

“The average travel claim cost in 2006 was £716 and this is typically rising by six per cent a year so it makes very good sense to take out insurance before you go – the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance.

Ms Leeman went on to explain the cost effective benefits of annual multi-trip travel insurance especially for those people who regularly take short trips.

“If you are likely to travel a few times a year consider taking out annual insurance – it can save you money and mean you are covered for the whole year which is ideal for those ‘spur of the minute’ trips away.”

Going on holiday or on a short trip? Compare travel insurance to find the best deals.