Despite the coronavirus pandemic causing millions of Britons to miss out on their summer holidays abroad this year, it has been revealed that many are still choosing to travel without insurance. New research from comparethemarket has revealed that surprisingly one in 10 (12 percent) are unlikely to take out travel insurance when booking a holiday. As “air bridges” come into play from July 10, holidaymakers have begun booking flights and overseas accommodation with around 22 percent saying that they will be booking a break abroad.
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However, it seems that despite an urge to escape the UK and soak up some sun abroad, many Britons are still happy to travel without travel insurance.
This means that potentially hundreds of Britons could be about to take a significant risk when they travel.
The UK government released a list of countries that Britons will be able to travel to while simultaneously avoiding England’s stringent quarantine rules on their return.
Many of the countries on the list, which was published by the Department of Transport, still have restrictions in place for arrivals from the UK.
The most unlikely group of individuals to not take out travel insurance are young people aged between 18 and 24.
However, this demographic are also the most keen to get away with over a third (36 percent) planning to travel outside the UK before the end of the year.
But 18 percent have admitted that they would not purchase travel insurance before they travel abroad despite the risks.
More research from comparethemarket suggests that the UK can expect a surge in staycations with over half (51 percent) saying they are unlikely to travel overseas in 2020 as they do not think it is safe.
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Instead, 43 percent have said they will book a holiday in the UK in 2020.
Patrick Ikhena, head of travel at comparethemarket.com, said that many travel insurance providers will not cover people for coronavirus-related claims which includes cancellations.
He continued: “If you are planning to go away, it is worth checking with your insurance provider to understand what your policy will cover for you.
“For example, whether your policy will cover you for a ‘travel corridor’ destination where a country might restrict UK arrivals.
“Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) guidance for your destination both before booking an overseas holiday and at the time of travel.
“It is concerning that there remains a sizeable proportion of people that are unlikely to take out travel insurance when going abroad.
“It is possible, and important, to find policies offering comprehensive cover for more common holiday upheavals.
“Travel insurance remains a much-needed safeguard against problems such as lost or stolen luggage and travel disruption unrelated to COVID-19.
“The additional security and peace of mind provided by travel insurance is as important for domestic ‘staycations’ as it is for travel abroad.
“This is particularly relevant this summer, with many more people considering holidaying in the UK.
“Although certain travel restrictions will be lifted from July 10, before travelling, it is always advisable to check any restrictions in place in local areas as you will have to comply with the restrictions of certain countries.
“This may include self-isolating or providing your details to local authorities.”
The survey, conducted on behalf of comparethemarket, asked 2,080 UK adults between 26-28 June 2020.
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