MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis has issued a crucial and timely warning to all holidaymakers planning trips in 2026 or beyond, emphasising what he describes as a "hugely important" travel tip that could prevent significant financial losses.
The 'ASAB' Principle: A Vital Protection Strategy
In a recent episode of his popular Martin Lewis Podcast focused on Travel Insurance and Life Lessons, which was also broadcast on BBC Sounds and shared via his X account, the consumer champion delivered urgent advice. Mr Lewis stressed that travellers should purchase their travel insurance "ASAB" - meaning as soon as possible after making any booking.
Why Timing Matters So Much
"Make sure you get your travel insurance ASAB, as soon as you've booked," Mr Lewis explained clearly. "Because half the point of travel insurance is covering you for things that may happen before you go that stop you from going." He highlighted that many people mistakenly believe travel insurance only provides protection during the actual holiday period.
In reality, comprehensive policies cover numerous pre-travel eventualities that could disrupt plans entirely. These include sudden illness, unexpected redundancy, being called for jury duty, or other unforeseen circumstances that might force cancellation. Purchasing insurance too late could leave travellers completely uninsured if such problems arise between booking and departure.
Practical Guidance for Different Policy Types
Single-Trip Insurance Recommendations
For those opting for single-trip coverage, Mr Lewis offers specific practical advice. He recommends carefully setting the policy's cover dates to match your exact travel itinerary and paying for the insurance immediately upon purchase to activate protection without delay.
Annual Policy Considerations
Regarding annual multi-trip policies, the money expert provides equally important guidance. He advises ensuring the policy is live "from today" rather than starting at a future date, thus avoiding dangerous gaps in coverage. Mr Lewis particularly warns against purchasing policies that only commence later, emphasising the absolute necessity of continuous protection.
It's worth noting that annual travel insurance policies can typically only be purchased up to 90 days in advance of their start date, which travellers should factor into their planning.
The Broad Protection Travel Insurance Provides
Travel insurance serves as essential financial protection against numerous unexpected problems that could otherwise prove devastatingly expensive. Beyond pre-trip cancellation coverage, policies typically protect against medical bills incurred abroad, which can reach astronomical sums in some countries.
Additional protections include reimbursement for trip interruptions, compensation for lost or delayed luggage, and coverage for various travel delays and inconveniences. This comprehensive safety net makes travel insurance not merely an optional extra but a fundamental component of responsible holiday planning.
Martin Lewis's warning comes as particularly timely advice for the millions of Britons planning overseas travel in 2026, reminding them that proper financial protection should be arranged at the earliest possible opportunity rather than being treated as a last-minute consideration.
