Get holiday insurance ASAB or wait?

Frankie56

If I had a medical problem while still in the UK, would I need medical insurance though?

Frankie56

If I had an accident before I travel, I'd still be treated here in the UK without the insurance surely. And I'd be able to cancel the flight and get a full refund because I've already paid extra to the airline for that.

Frankie56

If I got hit by a bus, I'd still be treated by the NHS with or without insurance. And I'd still be able to cancel the flight and get a full refund.

Frankie56

No, no other costs. Just the flights as I'll be staying with family.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82043655#Comment_82043655

But it's different types of cover - the cover for pre-departure cancellation only relates to known costs that'll be capped with most policies, whereas the cover during the trip has to include medical expenses, which can be huge, especially if repatriation is involved, and various others too, so my expectation would be that the component of the premium relating to pre-departure cancellation will be dwarfed by the other costs…

Frankie56

I'm going to get the insurance today anyway just to be safe. I'd already started filling in Martin's Compare Insurance form. I just thought that it seems I'm paying twice to cover from now till the day I travel, once through the insurance and once by paying a bit extra to the airline so I can cancel the flight at any time up till the first flight for a full refund. If I have a medical problem before I travel, I'll still be treated if I don't have the insurance.

Frankie56

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82043671#Comment_82043671

Yes, it probably won't be much extra, probably a few pounds at most. I'd still get the insurance for the trip itself so medical abroad would be covered.

Frankie56

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82043657#Comment_82043657

I'd be getting a bus to the airport, which is free with my bus pass, or someone will give me a lift for free, and staying with family when there so no accommodation to pay. Any trips, we'll pay at the time we go.

luci

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82043655#Comment_82043655

It might make sense to you, but it's not true.

Ayr_Rage

You may get treated by the NHS if you have a medical problem before departure but consider the risk of being incapacitated and unable to contact the airline thereby becoming a no-show and then the whole booking is cancelled.

Get insured asap.