Your package holiday protection and your travel insurance are not the same thing. They cover very different situations, and you really do need both.
What Does ATOL Protection Cover?
When you book a package holiday that includes flights through a UK-based company, you should receive an ATOL certificate. This means that if your travel company ceases trading, you won’t lose your money – you’ll either receive a full refund or, if you’re already away, you’ll be helped home.
What Happens to My Hotel If My Flight Is Cancelled?
This is something that can catch people off guard, particularly those who prefer to book their flights and accommodation separately.
If your flight is cancelled and your hotel booking is separate, your accommodation provider hasn’t done anything wrong, and so, in most cases, you may still owe them the money, even if you never make it there.
Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis explained it well:
“If you lose your flight in your DIY booking, there is nothing wrong with your hotel… it’s not faulty, it’s not cancelling, so you don’t get those consumer rights.”
With a package holiday, you’re in a much better position. If your flight can’t be rearranged and the holiday can’t go ahead, your tour operator is required to offer you an alternative or a full refund, not just for the flight, but for the whole package.
Do I Still Need Travel Insurance If I’ve Booked a Package Holiday?
Yes, and this is really important. ATOL protection is there in case your travel company fails. It doesn’t cover:
- Medical treatment if you become ill or have an accident abroad
- Cancelling your trip because your health takes a turn before you travel
- Lost or stolen belongings
- Coming home early due to a health emergency
This is where travel insurance comes in, and if you have a pre-existing medical condition, having the right policy in place is essential.
Whether you’re managing a heart condition, diabetes, cancer, a respiratory condition like asthma, or something else entirely, you’ll need to declare it when you take out your policy. It’s not something to overlook. If you don’t declare your conditions and need to make a claim, your insurer may refuse to pay, or cancel your policy altogether.
When Is the Best Time to Take Out Travel Insurance?
The moment you book! Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis has a simple rule he calls ASAB – As Soon As you Book – and it’s worth taking seriously.
A good part of your travel insurance covers you before you even leave home. If something happens, a new diagnosis, a change in your health, an unexpected family situation, after you’ve booked but before you’ve taken out a policy, you won’t be able to claim for cancellation. Getting your insurance sorted straight away means you’re protected from day one.
Travelling With a Pre-Existing Condition
Having a medical condition doesn’t mean you can’t travel. But it does mean it’s worth taking a little extra care to make sure you have the right cover in place.
At Freedom Travel Insurance, we specialise in travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions. When you get a quote with us, we’ll ask about your health so that your policy reflects your circumstances. That way, if something does go wrong, you won’t be left wondering whether you’re covered.
Safe travels,
Rosie at Freedom
