The recent volcanic ash cloud and looming airline strikes have highlighted the need for travellers to purchase adequate travel insurance.
The summer is nearly here and many Brits are preparing for holidays abroad. While many travellers may consider travel insurance to be an optional extra, the recent volcanic ash cloud and looming airline strikes have highlighted the need for adequate insurance cover while travelling.
Direct Travel Insurance has advised holidaymakers to check the fine print when shopping for cheap travel insurance. Jonathan Hewett, Vice President – Consumer Marketing at Direct Travel Insurance said "Make sure you read the small print in your travel policy to check that you are covered should you need to claim for airline strikes or volcanic ash. Many cheaper policies may not cover you for these situations, so you need to ensure that you have the right cover."
The risk of flight cancellations start the moment a ticket is booked. By buying travel insurance at the same time, travellers can obtain immediate protection. Travel insurance will also provide cover for flight disruptions caused by airline strikes, as long as cover was activated before a strike action was announced. Annual travel insurance policyholders may not be covered against strikes if the possibility of industrial action was known prior to a booking being made.
Travel insurance cover for delays and cancellations generally triggers after 12 hours. If travellers are delayed for more than 12 hours and choose to abandon their holiday, Direct Travel Insurance enables policyholders to claim up to £6,000 for the cost of lost accommodation, car hire and related costs that cannot be recovered from the airlines, tour operators or hotels.
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