Four in 10 travel insurance policies do not cover strike action, Which? finds

Travelers are urged to check their insurance policies before going abroad.

As part of its annual review of travel insurance, the consumer group assessed 199 policies by 71 providers and rated them according to their level of protection.

If travellers have to cancel a trip due to strikes, six in 10 of the policies give cover.

The threat of a strike by the British Airways will add to the narrative of travel chaos.

Less than one in 10 policies offered complete protection in the event of a holiday being disrupted by Covid according to the consumer group.

Only nine of the 199 policies allow travellers who need emergency medical care for catching Covid while abroad to make a claim.

Policy holders can claim if the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against travel to their destination because of Covid or restrictions on movement.

The consumer group considered two-thirds of the policies to be superior levels of Covid cover, meaning the policies cover travellers for emergency medical care and cancellation due to catching Covid, and offer cover if the policy holder is legally required to self-isolate.

Three in 10 policies were rated as low, providing medical cover for contracting Covid abroad and the ability to claim if cancelling a trip due to testing positive, while four of the policies were considered basic.

With many airlines warning of widespread disruption this summer and Covid cases on the rise, travellers should make sure they take out adequate insurance to cover any losses or unexpected costs.

According to an analysis of 199 policies, levels of cover can vary wildly in certain areas.

Travelers are advised to always check their policies to make sure they have the cover they need for their trip.