All Policies Include Enhanced COVID-19 Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
20 July 2012 09:21
Last year an average of 10 Britons a day had to be admitted to hospital while abroad, according to official figures
A minister has urged holidaymakers to take out travel insurance after new figures released by the Foreign Office revealed a rise in the number of people requiring help from British consulates when abroad last year.
Figures for 2011/12 revealed that Spain and the USA were the countries with the most cases of consular assistance required by Brits, with 5,405 and 1,822 respectively.
Excluding statistics for passports, the number of consular assistance cases rose 3% - from 19,228 in 2010/11 to 19.874 in 2011/12.
The statistics, referring to holidaymakers and ex-pats, showed that an average of 10 Britons per day were admitted to hospital last year. There were 3,739 hospital admissions in 2011/12 compared with 3,752 in 2010/11.
Hospital admissions recorded a 132% rise in Majorca when compared to two years earlier, with car accidents and balcony incidents among the most common causes for a trip to the hospital.
The Philippines needed the most consular assistance when the number of British visitors and residents was compared to the number of people requiring help.
Consular services minister Jeremy Browne said: "We witness many cases where people have invalidated their policy - perhaps by not declaring a pre-existing medical condition or not checking their policy covers a particular activity, such as hiring a moped.
"I urge anyone heading overseas this summer to research their destination, take out comprehensive travel insurance, and carefully check the small print of their policy."
Martin Rothwell, Managing Partner at Rothwell & Towler, said: "Medical emergencies abroad can cost a fortune and holidaymakers need to remember that without adequate travel insurance they will be left to foot the bills if they fall ill or have an accident while on holiday.
"But you also need to make sure your travel insurance covers you, so check the policy carefully especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or intend to partake in sports such as banana boating, jet skinning or scuba diving - all of which can sometimes be excluded under the terms of standard travel insurance policies."
09 September 2020
Get a slice of the action in Napoli, the pizza capital of the world.
[more...]
Get way ahead with your getaway plans with our top five handy tips for planning a holiday in 2021...
02 September 2020
Many international borders may have reopened, but is air travel safe during the coronavirus pandemic? The answer may surprise you.
26 August 2020
Learn more about the government's advice on travel corridors and see the list of countries where you can travel back from without self-isolating.
Plan your next getaway while reducing the risk of catching and transmitting coronavirus, by following our simple advice.
09 March 2020
Move over hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, there's a whole world of Easter treats out there. Here are some alternative Easter foods from around the world.
Forget egg hunts and bunnies, Easter's done a little bit differently in these corners of the world. Here five alternative Easter celebrations.
28 February 2020
Keep your carbon footprint in check and travel green with our eco-friendly travel tips.
25 February 2020
For true carefree travel, decide on a destination that's kinder to the planet...
20 February 2020
Travel into the future and not just through time-zones, with destinations shaping urban living.
National Anthem Day falls on the 3rd March, so what better excuse is there to delve into into the world of music and motherland?