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How to claim for delayed flights

Flight delay compensation claims have been given a massive boost as two airlines that were attempting to block payouts have now been defeated by the courts. This means huge scores of cases that were on hold are now unblocked, opening the floodgates for compensation. Our Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has been at the forefront of this campaign and he is here to talk us through your rights.

If your flight was cancelled or delayed for three hours or more since 2008, EU reg 261/2004 means you may be entitled to up to £470 per person. Two big airlines have been fighting this in court, but their, hopefully final, challenge has been blocked. Here's what you need to know...

Flight delay compensation – what are the rules?

To claim for a delayed flight you need to meet certain rules. Here’s a summary of the key rules:

You can claim for delays now or dating back to 2008 (or even 2005 in some cases).

You must've arrived more than three hours late. You can get an indication of how late an old flight was using the FlightStats website.

Any flight from an EU airport counts, or to an EU airport but only if on an EU airline.

Compensation's fixed (in euros), based solely on delay and journey length. So a short haul flight like London to Paris, for example, delayed by three hours+ is about £200 per person, while a long haul flight with a four hour+ delay is about £470 per person.

It must be the airline's fault - so bad weather doesn't count.

Some airlines offer vouchers as compensation. You're entitled to cash. Ask for it.

You don’t need to pay to claim. There are free template letters available online, which you can use.

How to make a claim

To make a claim you first need to write to the airline explaining the delay and asking for compensation. If refused, you can take your case to the CAA or its European equivalent (which one depends on where you flew from) to ask whether it thinks you’re entitled to compensation. Sadly, its decision isn’t binding on airlines but it is strong proof that you’ve got a valid claim. For full step-by-step help on reclaiming see: Martins’ Flight Delay Compensation guide & template letters .

What happened to the Jet2 and Thomson court cases?

Thomson had gone to court to argue people could only claim for incidents going back two years, Jet2 that people couldn't claim for unforeseeable technical problems. A huge numbers of cases were on hold awaiting the outcome. Both county courts and the Court of Appeal had already ruled against both airlines, but the airlines didn’t give up – they took their cases to the UK’s highest court, the Supreme Court. But the Supreme Court has just denied their right to appeal, so it’s case closed and an appeal to the European Court of Justice is unlikely.

My claim was put on hold. What should I do?

Many claims were put on hold pending the outcome of Jet2 and Thomson’s court battles, but now that’s over here’s what you should do:

Yet to claim? There's no issue, so claim as normal as described above.

Claim on hold? Ask the airline to re-open it. Some will do so automatically, but nudge anyway.

Claim been rejected by the airline? Ask the airline to reconsider and follow the same claiming process as outlined above.

Claim already rejected by the court? If it was more than 21 days ago it's a done deal - case closed we're afraid.

Won’t all this push up the price of tickets?

It’s possible this could push up the price of tickets. This is a legal right for flat compensation, which is certainly tough on budget airlines where you pay £10 for a flight but are due £100s in compensation.

So I suggest you think carefully about the legal v moral balance. If you sat for 24 hours in a hot uncomfortable airport with distressed kids and missed a day of work, go for it. If you sat in the airport bar for three hours and one minute having a whale of a time then took a £1 flight – perhaps don’t do it.

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martin lewis travel insurance claims

by user | Mar 2, 2024 | Travel Insurance

Martin Lewis Travel Insurance with Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Travel insurance is vital to planning any trip, providing peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. However, finding suitable travel insurance coverage for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions can be daunting. Martin Lewis, a renowned financial expert and founder of MoneySavingexpert.com, offers valuable insights and guidance on navigating travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions. This comprehensive guide will explore Martin Lewis’s recommendations, tips, and strategies for securing appropriate travel insurance coverage while managing pre-existing medical conditions effectively.

PUBLISHED DATE :

martin lewis travel insurance claims

Understanding Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Challenges faced by individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, martin lewis's tips for travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions, why consider martin lewis's views.

Before delving into Martin Lewis’s advice on travel insurance, it is essential to understand what constitutes a pre-existing medical condition. In the context of travel insurance, a pre-existing medical condition is any illness, injury, or medical condition for which you’ve received treatment, medication, or advice from a healthcare professional before purchasing your travel insurance policy. This includes chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and cancer, as well as acute conditions such as recent surgeries or injuries.

Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions face unique challenges when obtaining travel insurance coverage. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or impose strict limitations and exclusions, leaving travellers with medical conditions vulnerable to financial risk and uncertainty. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing conditions may encounter difficulties finding affordable coverage or may be subjected to high premiums and excesses, making travel insurance prohibitively expensive.

On this Page (TOC)

Martin Lewis offers practical advice and strategies for seeking travel insurance coverage for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Here are some critical tips from Martin Lewis:

Declare Your Medical Conditions The most crucial step when purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions is to accurately and honestly declare all relevant medical conditions when applying for coverage. Failing to disclose pre-existing conditions can invalidate your policy and leave you uninsured in the event of a claim. Be thorough in providing details about your medical history, including any medications you’re taking, treatments you’ve received, and any recent changes in your health.

Look Around for Specialist Providers While many mainstream insurers may offer limited coverage or high premiums for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, there are specialist providers and niche insurers that cater specifically to this market. Take the time to research and compare quotes from specialist insurers who specialise in providing comprehensive coverage for travellers with pre-existing conditions. Websites such as MoneySavingexpert.com offer comparison tools and resources to help you find suitable coverage at competitive rates.

Consider Medical Screening Some travel insurance providers offer medical screening services as part of the application process, allowing you to provide detailed information about your pre-existing conditions and receive a personalised quote based on your health profile. Participating in medical screening can help insurers assess your risk more accurately and may result in lower premiums or more comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs.

Look for Policy extensions Specific travel insurance policies offer optional extensions or upgrades that enhance coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. These extensions may include increased coverage limits, reduced excesses, or additional benefits such as cover for medical repatriation or emergency medical expenses related to your pre-existing conditions. Be sure to inquire about available policy extensions and carefully review the terms and conditions to determine if they meet your needs.

Consider Annual Multi-trip Policies If you travel frequently throughout the year, consider purchasing an annual multi-trip travel insurance rather than a single-trip policy. Annual policies typically provide coverage for multiple trips within a specified period and offer convenience and cost-saving opportunities for frequent travellers. When selecting a yearly policy, check if coverage for pre-existing medical conditions extends to all trips or if there are any limitations or exclusions based on trip duration or destination.

Review Policy Exclusions and Limitations Before purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions, carefully review the policy exclusions and limitations to understand what is covered and what is not. Pay close attention to any specific exclusions related to your medical conditions, such as restrictions on certain activities or treatments. If you have concerns or questions about the policy terms, seek clarification from the insurer or consult a qualified insurance advisor.

Consider EHIC or GHIC Coverage If you’re travelling within the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), consider obtaining a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its successor, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). EHIC and GHIC provide access to state-provided healthcare services in EU and EEA countries, including necessary medical treatment for pre-existing conditions at reduced or no cost. While EHIC and GHIC are not substitutes for travel insurance, they can complement your coverage and provide additional peace of mind while travelling in Europe.

Considering Martin Lewis’s views on travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions is crucial due to his expertise and reputation as a financial expert. Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingexpert.com, offers valuable insights and guidance on navigating the complexities of travel insurance, particularly for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. His advice is grounded in extensive research, experience, and a deep understanding of the insurance industry, making it a reliable source for travellers seeking comprehensive coverage. By heeding Martin Lewis’s recommendations, travellers can make informed decisions, find suitable insurance policies tailored to their needs, and ensure adequate financial protection while travelling with pre-existing medical conditions.

Securing appropriate travel insurance coverage with pre-existing medical conditions may require careful planning, research, and consideration of various factors. By following Martin Lewis’s advice and implementing practical strategies, individuals with pre-existing conditions can find suitable coverage that meets their needs and provides financial protection while travelling. Remember to declare all relevant medical conditions accurately, shop around for specialist providers, consider policy extensions and upgrades, and review policy terms and exclusions carefully before purchasing coverage. With the right approach and guidance, travellers with pre-existing medical conditions can enjoy worry-free travel and confidently explore the world.

martin lewis travel insurance claims

Martin Lewis urges holidaymakers to get travel insurance as soon as trip is booked

Martin Lewis has issued an urgent travel insurance warning for anyone planning a trip away.

The MoneySavingExpert.com founder has given advice on travel insurance during his latest Martin Lewis Money Show Live broadcast last night on ITV . He urged travellers to take out insurance as soon as a holiday is booked - and not to delay.

The Mirror reports Martin told his viewers : "You must get your travel insurance ASAB - as soon as you book. If you've already booked and you don't have it - now. The reason for that is simple." Martin then heard from a viewer called Cocoa, who explained she was advised not to travel due to a high risk pregnancy. The holiday she booked had cost £5,000 and she didn't have travel insurance.

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In a message read out on the show, she said: “I was planning a holiday but was then advised that I was not safe to fly due to high risk pregnancy. The holiday was already paid for but I hadn’t taken out travel insurance. I was told that I’ve lost the £5,000 that I had paid for the holiday.”

Martin then added: "Now let me tell you every year I get people who have been diagnosed with cancer and are having chemotherapy or terminal cancer, I've had people who've been paralysed, and they get in touch with me and they say 'I can't go on my holiday, what do I do?

"And they say, I don't have travel insurance, can I cancel? Well look, unless you've got flexible booking, I'm going to say something that sounds very trite but I just want you to understand. You can't expect the hotel or the flight company to give you your money back.

"If you bought a tennis racket and you broke your arm you can't say the tennis racquet is faulty. The tennis racquet is still working. The flight is still available, the hotel is still available, they're not going to give you your money back, that's why we have travel insurance, to cover us not just for when we're on holiday but in case something happens that stops us going on holiday. Otherwise you get stuck like that. Please, ASAB."

Use comparison website such as Compare the Market or MoneySuperMarket to check the latest prices for travel insurance. You'll need to enter details about yourself, such as your age, as well as information about your trip, including where you're going and for how long. Depending on the type of cover you've got, you may be able to claim on anything from medical expenses to your luggage going missing.

Martin Lewis Money Show

Martin Lewis issues urgent travel insurance warning for anyone booking a holiday

Forgetting travel cover trips up many holidaymakers, but going without it means taking a big financial risk, especially when going overseas during the Covid pandemic

martin lewis travel insurance claims

  • 11:27, 14 Jan 2022

Consumer champion Martin Lewis issued a warning to anyone planning their next holiday not to forget their travel insurance.

The MoneySavingExpert founder shared some advice during an episode of ITV's Money Show Live last night.

Brits have been flocking to book their next getaway after the UK government relaxed travel restrictions earlier this month.

Lewis urged anyone plotting their next holiday to ensure they get travel insurance as soon as they book, the Liverpool Echo reports .

The finance whiz said he is inundated with queries from people each summer to ask what their rights are when they have to cancel a holiday due to unforeseen circumstances.

He explained: "The answer is you don't have any. The flight is still going ahead and there's nothing wrong with your ticket.

Do you buy travel insurance - or take the risk instead? Let us know in the comments below

"I ask if they've got travel insurance and they say 'I was gonna get it before I went'".

Lewis implored people to purchase insurance as soon as possible because "so many of the things you can claim for can happen before you go on holiday".

The money expert said the cheapest travel insurance for under-65s can start from as little as £9 per week for an individual in Europe.

The policies Martin identified cover people who can't travel after testing positive for Covid - and also provides protection for anyone who contracts the virus while abroad and has to stay longer.

He added: "I call these deals no-frills because they're super cheap and they all meet my minimum claim levels.

"But I can't vouch for the service and how they handle claims. They're very cheap and if you have a problem with how they handle the claim, you can take this up with the ombudsman."

The money guru urged holidaymakers to check whether the policy is suitable before signing up.

He said: "Check the policy, check the cover levels, read through it before signing up to the check it is all suitable. That's one of the things you can protect yourself of."

What travel insurance do I need to get?

Travel insurance is more important than ever in current times, but when booking a policy at the moment check that it includes Covid cover - and make sure to read the fine print so you know exactly what you're covered for.

For example, you may want an extensive policy that includes trip cancellations, medical expenses or being required to cut your trip short due to Covid-related reasons.

It's worth noting that if the Foreign Office advises against travel to a destination, your travel insurance will be invalidated if you choose to travel against this advice.

If a country is on the red list, the Foreign Office usually advises against all non-essential travel, so your holiday will likely be cancelled.

When a travel firm cancels your holiday, you are entitled to a refund. Some travel companies have still been offering alternatives such as rebooking to a later date or different destinations and credit vouchers. You are welcome to choose these options, but you are entitled to a refund if this is what you would prefer.

If you booked a flight and hotel separately, then you may need to do some negotiating, especially if your flight isn't cancelled. As for your accommodation, whether you can get your money back will depend on your booking policy.

MORE ON Martin Lewis Travel insurance

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Martin Lewis issues holiday booking warning

Lucy Leeson | Wednesday 31 January 2024 11:49 GMT

Martin Lewis issues holiday booking warning: ‘You won’t get your money back’

Martin Lewis has issued a warning to anyone who has booked or is going to book a holiday.

The financial expert urged people to take out travel insurance as soon as they book the holiday. He warned if something goes wrong and a person has not got travel insurance, there is a high chance they won’t get their money back.

Speaking on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on Tuesday (30 January), he said:"If you bought a tennis racket and you broke your arm you can't say the tennis racquet is faulty. The tennis racquet is still working. The flight is still available, the hotel is still available, they're not going to give you your money back, that's why we have travel insurance.

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Martin Lewis warns of travel insurance 'mistake' to avoid when booking your holiday

The Money Saving Expert said that his 'heart sinks' when holidaymakers come to him because the error means they can't get a refund from their airline

  • 18:34, 12 JAN 2023

Martin said that he has been asked a 'heart-breaking' question by many travellers who have not taken out insurance

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Martin Lewis has issued a word of warning to anyone planning a trip abroad as peak holiday booking season gets under way.

The MoneySavingExpert founder shared a number of top travel tips in his latest newsletter - including how to steer clear of a "mistake" that many holidaymakers are guilty of when it comes to booking their holidays. This error, according to the finance expert, is leaving their travel insurance to sort out closer to the time.

Martin wrote: "Each spring without fail, someone asks me a heart-breaking question. Usually they've been diagnosed with cancer or another serious condition that needs long-term treatment, and they won't be able to go on their summer holiday.

READ MORE: Martin Lewis urges Brits to spend £1 now to save hundreds in the future

"Yet the airline won't refund them - within its rights as the ticket is not faulty," he explained. "I say, 'that's what travel insurance is for'. Sometimes though, they tell me they haven't got round to getting it yet.

"My heart sinks as I have to tell them there's no recourse. Half the point of the cover is to protect you if things happen that stop you going, so get it ASAB - As Soon As you Book."

Martin went on to explain the cheapest options for travel insurance based on what your holiday plans are. If you are planning more than one holiday this year, he advised, then you should opt for annual travel insurance as this will usually work out cheaper than booking insurance separately even for just two trips.

If you are only going away once, Martin suggested taking out single trip insurance - and shopping around a few providers to find the best one to suit your circumstances. Prices start at around £9 per week for one person travelling, with the cost depending on your age and where you're going - though prices can "rocket" if you are aged 66 or over or have a pre-existing medical condition, he warned.

In addition, the money expert advised seasoned travellers to check whether they can save money on travel insurance with a packaged bank account which offers protection for a monthly fee. "Used smartly, these can get you £100s of insurance at a fraction of the cost, beating standalone policies," he explained, suggesting Nationwide's FlexPlus as MSE's "top pick" which also provides mobile phone insurance and breakdown cover.

Finally, Martin urged holidaymakers to ensure they have a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or its replacement the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) card before they travel. These free cards entitle you to medical treatment in state-run hospitals and GPs in EU countries and Switzerland for the same price as a local.

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martin lewis travel insurance claims

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel Reclaiming

    How to make a claim; What's changed since Brexit? Flight Delay Compensation - Up to £520/person, back to 2017 Guide . Coronavirus Travel Rights . I've got travel insurance - am I covered? I've booked a trip - can I get a refund? I was planning to book - should I still do it? ... Martin Lewis is a registered trade mark belonging to Martin S Lewis.

  2. Flight delay compensation

    Email: [email protected]. If your flight's delayed for more than three hours, you're often entitled to between £210 and £520 in compensation. So if your flight's been delayed this summer, use this MoneySavingExpert guide and free online tool to claim what you're owed.

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  5. Flight delay compensation

    Flight delay compensation. Home › Overseas holidays & travel planning › Flight delay compensation. We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum's ...

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  9. Martin Lewis travel insurance pre-existing medical conditions

    Here are some critical tips from Martin Lewis: Declare Your Medical Conditions. The most crucial step when purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions is to accurately and honestly declare all relevant medical conditions when applying for coverage. Failing to disclose pre-existing conditions can invalidate your policy and ...

  10. Martin Lewis urges holidaymakers to get travel insurance as soon as

    The MoneySavingExpert.com founder has given advice on travel insurance during his latest Martin Lewis Money Show Live broadcast last night on ITV. He urged travellers to take out insurance as soon ...

  11. Holiday rights

    Many travel insurance providers will refuse to pay out for issues - including cancellations - at destinations declared unsafe to visit. To ... It's worth checking if you're able to make a claim on your travel insurance. But unless you bought a 'company failure' add-on, you may not be covered. ... Martin Lewis is a registered trade mark ...

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  15. Martin Lewis issues urgent travel insurance warning for anyone booking

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  17. Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions

    1. Buy travel insurance as soon as you book to cover cancellation and pre-trip illness. 2. Always declare your medical conditions or you likely won't be covered. 3. Not all insurers have an upper age limit. 4. Check you're covered for the countries you're travelling to. 5.

  18. Holiday complaints process

    8) Paid around £2,500 for the holiday, 7 nights in Crete. 9) Complained to reps about baggage check-in, told to make our own way to the airport, tried to book a taxi but couldnt due to a general strike in Greece. 10) Informed hotel staff about ants.

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  20. Travel insurance claim issues

    Martin Lewis MoneySavingExpert Chair, Martin Lewis · Editor, Marcus Herbert. Search MoneySavingExpert... Submit. Cards & Loans. Household Bills. Complain & Reclaim. Banking & Savings. Mortgages & Homes. Travel. ... Travel insurance claim issues ...

  21. Compare cheap travel insurance

    Get cheap travel insurance with the help of MoneySavingExpert and Martin Lewis - including single trip, annual and winter sports cover. ... for a refund before your insurer would even consider a claim under the travel insurance policy. It's also worth noting that many insurers consider a credit note to be satisfactory, and may not pay out if ...

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