Jet2 has issued a critical summer travel warning: holidaymakers who fail to declare medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance risk having claims rejected and facing bills as high as £45,000. The budget airline's alert comes as approximately 30 million British travellers are expected to pass through UK airports between July and August this year, with carriers operating at maximum capacity.
Jet2's urgent advice on travel insurance
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, 27 July, Jet2 cautioned: "Going away this summer? Declare your medical conditions when you buy travel insurance - it could save you thousands. If your details aren't up to date, your claim could be rejected." The airline included a link to the UK government's website, which explains that travel insurance "provides protection and coverage for unexpected events that can happen on holiday."
The government guidance covers a range of scenarios, including medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage, holiday cancellations or disruptions, and natural disasters. It stresses that holidaymakers must obtain "cover that is appropriate cover" for their specific trip.
Why inadequate cover leads to huge bills
The government warned that travellers could face spiralling expenses if they buy a basic policy lacking sufficient medical coverage or medical evacuation, fail to disclose all medical conditions or update changes before departure, purchase a policy that does not cover planned activities like skiing or water sports, neglect cancellation or delay coverage, or do not have a policy covering the entire trip and transit countries.
One stark example involved a teenager travelling without insurance who was "hospitalised after a mid-air collision with a paraglider." The teen "sustained serious injuries requiring urgent treatment and medical repatriation," with total treatment costs reaching £45,000.
Real cases highlight the risks
Another case featured a British holidaymaker involved in a motorbike crash with "inadequate insurance cover." The individual suffered "multiple serious injuries, including a shattered elbow and several broken bones," but the "insurance provider refused to cover the £23,000 medical bill after it emerged the individual was riding a 125cc motorbike, while the insurance policy only covered vehicles up to 50cc."
Jet2's warning underscores the importance of reviewing travel insurance details before departure. The airline advises all passengers to double-check their policies, declare any medical conditions, and ensure coverage matches their planned activities and destinations.
For more information, travellers can visit the travel insurance section of the UK government's website. The advice is particularly timely as the summer holiday season peaks, with millions of Britons heading abroad.
