Taking Part in the Great Easter Getaway? Don't Forget Travel Insurance
Asda Money reveals research which showed that an estimated 1.5 million British holidaymakers(1) took part in the great Easter getaway in 2012.
LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Mar 20, 2013) - With UK travellers set to repeat this mass exodus over the Easter weekend (March 29th -1st April) in 2013, heading to popular locations including the Canary and Balearic Islands and Cyprus and Tunisia, Asda Money highlights the importance of securing travel insurance.
Protecting you wherever you go
Although Brits abroad may be tempted to rely on their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when they are going away for a short spell to popular weekend break destinations, it is important to remember that the EHIC only provides access to state medical care at a free or reduced cost within the European Union/European Economic Area (EEA), which means that the EHIC does not currently apply to countries such as Turkey or Montenegro which currently fall outside of this area2.
In addition the EHIC may not apply in some parts of the EEA, as some countries do not offer state provided healthcare3.
In contrast, European travel insurance will cover the whole of this area, as well as costs not covered by the EHIC such as repatriation to the UK3. With New York falling in the top five1 most popular weekend break destinations, securing worldwide travel insurance is also key when travelling outside of the continent.
Meeting unexpected costs
As well as meeting the cost of medical expenses, as well as an additional hospital benefit, travel insurance can also help cover the cost of meeting additional unexpected expenses.
Replacing a lost or stolen passport on holiday can take weeks and cost substantially more than the cost of travel insurance itself. As an example if you are on holiday in Spain, you will need to pay EUR163 to replace a lost or stolen 32-page passport adult passport (EUR196 for a 48 page passport), in addition to a courier fee of EUR25 per applicant, as well as waiting for anything up to 6 weeks4.
This expense is normally met up to a certain limit even in some cheap travel insurance policies, which can start from just £45.
Travel Insurance can also help to meet other costs such as the loss of personal money, legal expenses as well as the cost of lost luggage.
Asda Travel Insurance offers unlimited medical expenses as well as cover for lost luggage and the cost of replacing your passport/driver''s license amongst other features.
Notes to Editors
http://www.abta.com/news-and-views/press-zone/the-great-easter-getaway
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx
http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/
About Asda Travel Insurance
Cover from £4*
Unlimited medical expenses
20% online discount
Kids and grandkids go free^
Single Trip or Annual Holiday Insurance
A choice of 3 cover levels
Worldwide or European Travel Insurance
* All pricing examples based on travellers being 18-36 at the time of purchase with no medical conditions. Based on an individual Value European 2 day policy bought online. Price includes 20% online discount.
^ Terms and conditions apply. Children are covered when they travel with their parents, grandparents or legal guardians only.
Asda Money is a trading name of Asda Financial Services Limited. Asda Financial Services Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of ACE European Group Ltd. This means that Asda Travel Insurance policies are sold, administered and underwritten by ACE European Group Ltd who is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), reference number FRN 202803. Full details can be found on the FSA''s Register by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.
