ABTA carried out a survey of over 2000 consumers and the results showed that at least 17% believed that insurance is unnecessary when on European coach tours because they thought that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) was enough to cover them but the card only entitles travellers to basic state medical care – it will not repatriate them if they need to get home but can’t which at least 26% of those people surveyed mistakenly believe!

The majority of travel companies are finding this research extremely worrying as more people decide to go on holiday and put their health and finances at stake by travelling abroad without the proper insurance cover. Many of those people surveyed, particularly younger travellers, also wrongly believe that it is the job of the Foreign Office to help pay their hospital bills.

Buying travel insurance has never been more important than in the current economic climate and tour operators are advising their customers to purchase insurance at the time of booking their holiday in order to obtain cancellation cover should they be made redundant or potentially fall ill prior to travelling. Customers are advised to speak to their Booking Agent about Insurance and what it includes so that they have the appropriate cover before travelling.

So the next time you’re looking to book UK coach holidays, European tours or worldwide escorted holidays, make sure you take out the specified travel insurance so you’re protected from the minute you book your holiday and whilst you’re away. Check out the full range of coach holidays on the Door2Tour.com website or give the team a call on 0845 956 9686 to find out more.