1.6 million people issued travel warning that could cost thousands
The weather is cranking up and the summer holidays are nearly upon us.
Millions of Brits will be heading off abroad in the coming months as they travel to Spain, Greece, Malta and likely even further afield in the hunt for some much-needed rest and recuperation.
Whether you're just looking to doze by the pool or after something a bit more exciting with thrill-seeking activities like paragliding or jet skiing, it's crucial to have travel insurance when you take a trip.
Especially in case you take a trip.
Advert
Accidents or medical emergencies can happen at any time and if you don't want to be hit with a bill tipping into the thousands after a visit to the hospital, you should take out an insurance policy to keep you covered.
You've got to be completely honest while doing so, too, even about taking 'fat jabs.'
Holidaymakers warned to declare weight loss jab usage on travel insurance policies
Weight loss jabs have soared in popularity over the last 18 months, with 1.6 million Brits now estimated to be using the medication.
Fat jabs like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy - which will soon be available in pill form - have helped scores of people in their battle to shift weight and get healthier.
Though they can cause some significant side effects, including health issues and mental health impacts.
With the holiday season approaching, it's also important for those using such medication to declare the usage when taking out a travel insurance policy.
Failing to do so could leave you holding the bag of a massive payment if you go to make a claim, even one unrelated to weight loss treatment, and your insurer discovers you are using the medication.
"It’s essential to declare any pre-existing medical conditions and prescribed medications or treatments when taking out travel insurance, including weight loss jabs," a spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers told The Sun.
“Doing so will help you get the right cover for your needs, while failing to share this information could cause issues at the point of claim or even invalidate your policy.”
You should let your insurer know if you start taking weight loss jabs after taking out your policy.
It's also important to declare the condition that has led to you being prescribed it, like to combat obesity or diabetes.
Taking the jabs without a prescription may leave you being unable to make a claim at all.
Insurers Axa told The Sun: "If someone is taking weight-loss jabs under prescription from their GP or a pharmacy for a medical condition such as obesity or diabetes, they would need to disclose the medical condition, not the medication itself.
“Failure to disclose the underlying condition it’s prescribed for could invalidate the policy or result in a reduced payout.”
Heading away this summer? Make sure you have all your bases covered.
Daniel Murphy