18 January 2023 , 11:07
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An emotional Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to everyone who is planning to go on holiday this year.
The money guru battled to keep his emotions under control on his ITV1 Martin Lewis Money Show Live on Tuesday night.
He sent out a warning to everyone who has booked, or is going to book, a holiday at any time in the coming year.
Martin explained how 'every year' he is contacted by people who have not been able to go on their holiday because they have been diagnosed with cancer and are approaching him for advice.
"This is a warning. Millions of people are booking holidays at the moment, and I need you to understand, travel insurance is not just to protect you when you go away," Martin said.
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Have you had an issue with travel insurance? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Martin Lewis implored people to sort out their travel insurance (ITV)"I want you to get your travel insurance ASAB - as soon as you book.
"I want to explain why: every spring, I get one or more emails or messages from someone who says something like 'I've just been diagnosed with a very serious form of cancer, or another equally severe illness.
"I've booked my summer holiday. I'll be having my chemo in the summer so I won't be able to go. I've spoken to the airline, they won't refund me, I've spoken to the hotel, they won't refund me. What can I do?
"I say, your airline ticket isn't faulty because it is still valid so you don't have rights there, go to your travel insurer.
"And so many people say to me 'I haven't got my travel insurance yet. I was going to get it before I went.
"GET IT ASAB as soon as you book.
"Because otherwise I am left impotent and no, there isn't anything I can do. Please, do not be the person who sends me that heartbreaking email this year.
"If you've booked a holiday, travel insurance can be as little as £9. Get yourself on a travel insurance site, get yourself some protection, so that if you can't go on the holiday you're covered, not just if something goes wrong when you are on the holiday."
He explained how important it is to book travel insurance right away (Getty Images)In a previous email to his followers Martin added that you should try and ensure you have a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or its replacement the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) before jetting off.
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The cards allow you to get free medical care in state hospitals and GPs in the EU or Switzerland for the same cost as locals pay.
So they’re very handy to have to hand in case of an accident, emergency or illness while on holiday.
There are two main benefits of travel insurance; cancellation and medical emergency cover.
However, you can find policies that also cover you for lost or damaged luggage, gadgets, and a whole array of other options.
Buying a policy that covers everything could be counterproductive if it includes issues that won't be relevant to you, and you could end up overpaying for a policy that you don't need.