Holiday Travellers Chancing More Than Just the Weather This Summer

LONDON, May 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- Hiscox survey finds one in five don't know if they are covered when they go on holiday -

As Britons gear up for their summer holidays, new research reveals that many are chancing more than just the weather with their holiday planning. According to specialist insurer Hiscox, 19% of those surveyed* said they either don't bother taking out a specialist travel insurance policy, think that they are covered under another insurance policy such as health, or simply do not know. When it comes to understanding what exactly they are covered for following the loss of valuables or luggage, there is an even greater level of complacency with one in ten (10%) respondents being unsure or not having checked if they are covered by an insurance policy.

Commenting on the findings, Colin Wallace, insurance expert from Hiscox said: "Recent changes in the rules governing the sales of holidays have further strengthened consumer protection. However understanding what you are covered for can become confusing and there is a worrying degree of complacency when it comes to Britons making sure that they have the right travel insurance, or indeed any cover at all.

"Taking the time to think through your travel plans and what type of cover you need can help take the stress out of travel. Comprehensive travel insurance, such as the Hiscox policy, should cover you for eventualities that you may not always be aware of, such as the financial failure of a flight or other travel service disruption."

I'm covered…aren't I?

• The research found that 18% assume that their travel agent or airline would compensate them for flight cancellation. However this can be dependent on the exact circumstances of the disruption
• 21% thought that a travel industry body would cover them for flight cancellation, but again this is dependent on many factors such as how you booked the flight and if the airline is based in the EU
• 26% assume they are covered by a travel policy from their bank account although these policies may not include financial protection if the accommodation provider goes bust
• 13% haven't checked or are unsure of what cover they have if their flights are cancelled
• One in ten are unsure as to whether they would be covered for a medical emergency when on holiday
• Thrill seekers looking for some extreme sports action on their holiday are taking more risk than they should with 36% only sometimes checking, or simply never checking, whether their travel insurance will cover them for the activity they are undertaking such as bungee jumping or white water rafting; activities which are not always covered as standard
• Check that your travel policy covers all of your planned activities. Riskier winter sports such as ski /snowboard racing, jumping, acrobatics, aerials and other activities are sometimes excluded and separate specialist cover may need to be added to the policy

Notes to editors

*2,284 online interviews with ABC1 respondents, working full time, were conducted from 11-13 April 2012 on behalf of Hiscox by Opinium Research LLP.

Hiscox travel insurance cover includes:

• Up to £10 million emergency medical cover
• Up to £2 million personal liability cover
• Up to £50,000 legal expenses
• Up to £10,000 for political unrest and natural catastrophe evacuation to get you to a safe destination and includes specialist assistance support
• Up to £5,000 for cancellation and curtailment if a trip needs to be cut short due to an emergency such as your home being flooded
• Extended travel disruption cover for missed departure in the case you miss a flight or can't travel due to a strike,  industrial action or mechanical breakdown, this cover is especially important for independent travellers
• Reimbursement of the excess for damage or theft if you rent a car and includes the cost of replacing the car keys.
• The policy also gives clients the choice to select additional covers they might need, such as cover for their winter ski holiday or, if they run their own business for example, the opportunity to cover themselves when they are away on a business trip. These additional options include:
• Baggage and money cover, including new for old cover for personal belongings
• Business Travel cover which includes the cost of a close business associate to replace you if you are unable to attend a pre-arranged meeting and the cost of replacing business equipment
• Golf equipment in the case it is lost, stolen or damaged and green fees if you can't attend due to illness, an accident or are prevented from playing due to losing personal documents
• Winter Sports, including off-piste skiing within the ski area boundaries of a recognised ski resort
• Extended sports activity cover for 'high octane' activities such as white water rafting, quad biking and kite surfing            

About Hiscox

Hiscox, the international specialist insurer, is headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). There are three main underwriting parts of the Group - Hiscox London Market, Hiscox UK and Europe and Hiscox International. Hiscox London Market underwrites internationally traded business in the London Market - generally large or complex business which needs to be shared with other insurers or needs the international licences of Lloyd's. Hiscox UK and Hiscox Europe offer a range of specialist insurance for professionals and business customers, as well as high net worth individuals. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda, Guernsey and USA. Hiscox Insurance Company Limited, Hiscox Underwriting Limited, Hiscox Europe Underwriting Limited and Hiscox Syndicates Limited.

Hiscox UK also offers professional indemnity insurance and small business insurance products.

For professional indemnity insurance quotes, quotes on any Hiscox products and further information, visit http://www.hiscox.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Johanna Boland
+44-(0)207-448-6494
johanna.boland@hiscox.com