Aussies are taking out travel insurance too late

AUSSIES, you’re doing this one thing all wrong and it could end up costing you thousands of dollars. Find out how to avoid getting caught out.

TAKING out travel insurance is a no-brainer for anyone planning a holiday but what most people don’t know is that when you decide to take it out is just as important.

According to comparison site, Mozo.com.au, nearly one in five Aussies (19 per cent) are buying their travel insurance within one week of their departure date. And 11 per cent of Aussies are waiting until two weeks out.

The problem with this is that it means you’re not covered should anything go wrong in the lead up to your trip.

Kirsty Lamont, Director at Mozo.com.au says, “This is a considerable chunk of travellers taking a huge risk by leaving it so close to their departure date. It means you’re not covered if anything happened to you or your family before you leave.”

“Illness, extreme weather or changes made by travel companies are all things that would be covered in the lead up to your trip but not if you haven’t sorted your insurance.”

Make sure you’re covered by changes made by travel companies.

“Insurance is something that should be taken out at the time of booking your trip to get the most benefit out of it, not an afterthought you purchase at the last minute,” said Lamont.

Mozo says the most popular destinations for Aussies are Europe and the UK followed by Asia and North America.

“Insurance for longer holidays is even more important, your risks are increased if you’re away from home longer. The benefit is that you can often find a cost-effective policy for longer trips,” said Lamont.

The best planners according to Mozo are cruisers.

“Those heading off on a cruise are clearly good planners, with one in five buying their travel insurance at least six months in advance,” said Lamont.