Holidays spell beaches, booze and brilliant sunshine for many Britons. Yet when mishaps do occur, many are safe in the knowledge their travel insurance policies, taken out before a trip, will protect them. Yet one factor which will render their documents null and void – therefore opening up potential for a hefty insurance bill – has now come to light. This situation, perhaps unknown to many holiday makers, happens when Britons over-indulge in alcohol.
Travel insurance experts have exclusively told Express.co.uk how the majority of policies exclude cover for someone’s actions if they have been impacted by alcohol – meaning they could potentially face a massive bill.
Therefore, they advised: “Have fun, but stay safe.”
They told us: “Whether celebrating, or drowning your sorrows, be aware that the majority of policies exclude cover for claims where someone’s actions and decision-making are impaired by drugs or alcohol.
“In fact, you’d be hard-pushed to find any travel insurer that would cover this.
“Likewise, if you knowingly and willingly expose yourself to needless risk, i.e. becoming involved with a large group of people behaving in an aggressive way, then there is no guarantee you would be covered.
“Don’t forget to pack your EHIC too, but it’s important to remember that this is not an alternative to travel insurance and consumers are advised to take out the right level of cover for their personal needs.
Get the right cover and take the worry away.”
Meanwhile, The Association of British Insurers (ABI) this week revealed the average medical claim on travel insurance surpassed £1,300 for the first time ever in 2018 – reaching £1,368.
Claims can easily reach the tens of thousands of pounds, and one recent example saw a couple in America require nearly £600,000 worth of support from their travel insurer.
The ABI’s figures also show that the total amount paid to Brits abroad in 2018 – at £400 million – was at its highest level since 2010.
