Martin Lewis urges holidaymakers to buy travel insurance 'ASAB' to avoid costly mistakes

Joe Sledge
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:27:32 +0000

Martin Lewis has urged holidaymakers to take out travel insurance as soon as they book their trips to avoid costly disruption.

The Money Saving Expert founder shared the advice during an appearance on ITV, telling viewers to purchase cover “ASAB”, meaning “As Soon As you Book”.

Mr Lewis said: “Travel insurance is not just to cover you while you’re away.”

He added: “It’s also very important to cover you in case something happens before you go that stops you going.”

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He explained that a significant portion of travel‑insurance benefits applies before departure, including protection if travellers are unable to go ahead with their trip due to unforeseen circumstances.

He urged those who have already booked holidays but not yet arranged insurance to act immediately.

Mr Lewis also highlighted the relevance of the advice amid ongoing international tensions, saying disruption linked to instability in the Middle East could affect travel plans during the summer period.

The peak holiday season between July and September could be particularly exposed to delays or cancellations.

Mr Lewis said the guidance applies regardless of global events or travel dates.

He explained that policies typically provide cover from the moment they are purchased through to the departure date, meaning cancellations caused by personal circumstances or wider events may be covered if insurance is already in place.

A viewer shared an example during the programme illustrating the importance of early cover.

They said they had booked flights to Australia for seven people travelling in March and confirmed insurance was purchased at the time of booking.

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“One of our group is now pregnant and can’t travel on the dates planned,” they said.

“It cost £5,000 to reschedule which I’m happy to report the insurance have covered. Thanks Martin!”

Mr Lewis also outlined differences between single‑trip and annual policies.

Single‑trip insurance requires travellers to enter specific dates and provides cover from the point of purchase.

Annual policies may require more careful timing to ensure full protection.

He said travellers should ensure their policy begins when the trip is booked rather than when it starts, and added that those with existing annual cover should check it extends beyond their return date.

If it does not, a new policy may be required to cover the full travel period.

Mr Lewis also noted that early purchase is not without limitations.

He said some insurers may cancel policies if a serious medical diagnosis is made after cover has been taken out.