Latest news with #travelinsurance
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Travel insurance premiums see double-digit increase
Travel insurance premiums in the UAE have surged at a double-digit rate, particularly for Europe-bound travellers, as the peak outbound travel season approaches, according to industry experts. Toshita Chauhan, business head – general insurance at Policybazaar UAE, said premiums have risen by 12 per cent to 18 per cent year-on-year. This translates to an increase of Dh15 to Dh70 per policy, depending on the travel duration, destination, and age of the travellers. "The primary factors driving this increase include rising global medical costs and a spike in claims from Europe-bound travellers - especially to Schengen countries - largely due to hospitalizations and baggage losses," Chauhan told Khaleej Times. She noted that popular European destinations such as France, Spain, and Italy are leading in medical emergency claims. Meanwhile, tropical destinations like Thailand, Bali, and the Maldives have seen a rise in trip cancellations due to weather-related disruptions. Travellers from the UAE heading to the UK and USA are reporting some of the highest medical treatment costs, contributing to elevated premiums. While missed flight connections and baggage delays have also emerged as the two most common claim categories among UAE residents this year, she added. Summer rush Summer is the peak travel period for outbound UAE tourism, coinciding with school holidays that last over two months. Many families opt for vacations in cooler European climates during this time, leading to a sharp spike in airfares – particularly to high-demand destinations like the UK. Dubai Airports and Emirates airline regularly issue passenger advisories ahead of the summer rush, especially during July, when hundreds of thousands are expected to depart from Dubai. Highest premium payers Chauhan also highlighted that travellers aged 60 and above have experienced the steepest hike in insurance premiums, with rates rising between 25 per cent and 30 per cent. Meanwhile, those seeking coverage for adventure sports have faced the highest increases – up to 40 per cent more than standard base plans. 'Annual multi-trip policies have also become more expensive, with rates climbing over 15% due to evolving claim trends and longer average travel durations,' she added. Hitesh Motwani, deputy CEO at said insurers are responding by offering more streamlined and budget-friendly plans to make travel insurance more accessible. 'These tailored policies allow travellers to choose coverage that fits their specific needs and financial plans. Despite the recent hikes, travel insurance remains relatively affordable on a per-trip basis,' Motwani said. He pointed out that while not all countries require travel insurance for incoming travellers, many have made it mandatory for visa issuance or entry. 'For example, the Schengen zone requires a minimum medical coverage of €30,000, including repatriation. Thailand mandates insurance for specific visa categories, particularly long-term stays. Russia requires coverage for those applying through unified e-visas, and Turkey makes it a condition for visa applicants,' he explained.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Travel warning for Brits on weight loss jabs as little-known 'breach' could cost you thousands
British tourists have been warned about a travel insurance issue that could cost them thousands. 'Skinny jabs' such as Ozempic and Mounjaro need to be declared on any official insurance documents. Niraj Mamtora, director at Forum Insurance, has warned that failing to declare weight management drugs when you take out travel insurance could be considered a breach of contract. He told Birmingham Live: 'Weight-loss medications are transforming lives across the UK, but too many travellers don't realise the insurance implications. 'If you're using these drugs, you must declare both the medication and the condition it's prescribed for. 'Failure to do so is not a minor oversight - it's a serious breach of your travel insurance contract.' The expert explained that tourists could see their 'claim refused' and 'policy cancelled' if they don't declare their medication. Niraj added: 'Non-disclosure is a gamble that's simply not worth taking. If you don't declare your medication or the underlying condition, your insurer is within their rights to refuse any claim, even if it seems unrelated. 'Many travellers only discover too late that their travel insurance claims are rejected, leaving them without support and facing potentially huge bills.' The warning comes as the firm reports that a 'growing trend' in people using weight-loss jabs could only make insurance issues more likely. 'Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter when travelling with medication, and check the rules of your destination country regarding bringing in prescription drugs,' advised Niraj. 'Remember that insurance claims related to undeclared conditions or medications can be refused, even if the issue seems unrelated.'
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Major holiday warning to any Brits who take skinny jabs over ‘serious breach' that could cost you £1,000s
UK TOURISTS have been warned about a potential travel insurance issue in the lead up to summer. Travel experts revealed that failure to list skinny jabs on the documentation could cost you thousands. Any Brits holidaying abroad have been reminded to list their skinny jabs on official documents. Failure to do so could potentially jeopardise the validity of your travel insurance, reports Birmingham Live. Experts at Forum Insurance have detailed how not declaring usage of weight management drugs such as Ozempic could cause you problems on holiday. Niraj Mamtora, director at the company, explained that weight-loss drugs must be declared when taking out travel insurance, as it could be deemed as a breach of contract. 'Weight-loss medications are transforming lives across the UK, but too many travellers don't realise the insurance implications," he said. "If you're using these drugs, you must declare both the medication and the condition it's prescribed for. 'Failure to do so is not a minor oversight - it's a serious breach of your travel insurance contract." He broke down how this can impact your coverage when travelling abroad. "If you need medical help overseas and haven't declared your medication, your claim can be refused and your policy cancelled," Niraj explained. "The financial consequences can be severe.' I was sick of trying fad diets and not losing weight but now I've shed FIVE STONE without fat jabs or silly eating plans This means you could be faced with an insurer who is "within their rights" to refuse a claim. "Non-disclosure is a gamble that's simply not worth taking," the expert continued. "If you don't declare your medication or the underlying condition, your insurer is within their rights to refuse any claim, even if it seems unrelated. 'Many travellers only discover too late that their travel insurance claims are rejected, leaving them without support and facing potentially huge bills." He revealed that the average medical claim abroad now exceeds £1,700, with costs rising significantly with age. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. According to the firm, there appears to be a "growing trend" in people looking to use Ozempic, or other types of weight-loss drug. Niraj cited NHS data between March 2024 and February 2025, which showed that more than 83,000 "unique patients" in England were dispensed Ozempic. He also revealed over 344,000 individuals possessed a prescription for weight-loss medications in the past year. 'With new drugs entering the market and millions more eligible for these treatments, the number of Brits travelling with prescription weight-loss medication is set to rise further," the director said. If you're taking weight-loss drugs and planning a holiday abroad, make sure you have declared all pre-existing medical conditions and any other drugs to your travel insurance provider. If you are taking medication which has not been prescribed or for "off-label" usage, this must also be disclosed as it can affect your travel cover. "Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter when travelling with medication, and check the rules of your destination country regarding bringing in prescription drugs," the pro advised. "Remember that insurance claims related to undeclared conditions or medications can be refused, even if the issue seems unrelated." 2
The Independent
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Holidaymakers urged to consider travel money habits this summer
Holidaymakers heading abroad this summer are being urged to consider how much they would be covered for if their banknotes and coins were stolen. While most travel insurance policies do provide cover for lost or stolen cash, it may not be enough to cover some people's entire holiday spend, according to financial information business Defaqto. Its analysis of UK travel insurance policies found that 91% of annual and 86% of single trip policies include cash cover as standard. Just over a third (35%) of single trip travel insurance policies cover as much as £200 to £299, while a quarter (24%) offer cover between £300 to £399, according to the analysis. The firm also said holidaymakers should make sure they understand the terms used in policies. Anna-Marie Duthie, a travel insurance expert at Defaqto, said: 'Travel insurance often distinguishes between 'money' and 'cash' and the definitions matter. Money might cover credit cards or traveller's cheques, whereas cash is notes and coins and they're often covered under separate limits.' Defaqto said that if holidaymakers are solely relying on cash while abroad, they should be aware that only 2% of policies it looked at offer emergency cash advances – which is when the insurer will provide people with emergency funds. Here are some tips from Defaqto for holiday money habits: – Keep receipts and statements for currency exchanges. – If money is lost or stolen, check whether losses are recoverable through your bank or card provider first. – Think about using banking apps that allow card freezing if you misplace yours, to stop it from being used. – Consider having a back-up card or account, just in case your primary one is lost or frozen. – Consider having cards from different providers, in case one of the systems goes down.
BBC News
28-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Denise Nurse on holiday insurance
For information about holiday insurance if you have a medical condition contact The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) here, external.
