Latest news with #Niraj
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Holiday warning for Brits as poolside mistakes can leave you paying hefty fees
Brits on holidays this summer have been warned not to make an easy poolside mistake or they could risk facing some pretty hefty fees if things go wrong There's nothing quite like cooling off in the pool after basking in the sunshine while on holiday. However, Brits are being warned to stay vigilant if they step away from their sunlounger, or they could risk some hefty fees. A travel insurance expert has warned that there are some easy mistakes we all make that quickly invalidate your travel insurance, meaning that if things do go wrong it's likely your claim will be rejected. One of those is stepping away from your bag, even if you can see it from the pool and feel like your surroundings are fairly secure. "Stepping away from your bag for even a few minutes can invalidate your claim," warns Niraj Mamtora, Director at Forum Insurance. "People think a quick dip or a trip to the bar is harmless, but from an insurance perspective, you've left those items unguarded. That's classed as negligence. Most policies will state clearly that unattended belongings in public areas are not covered, regardless of how short the time or how secure you felt." It's not just about insurance either. Hotels are increasingly cracking down on people who leave their belongings unattended for a few hours, in a bid to fight back against sunbed wars. This has included introducing time limits on how long staff will leave an unattended lounger before picking up the belongings and taking them to reception, where holidaymakers can retrieve them. 'Sunbed wars' see people frantically rushing in the early hours of the morning to leave their towels on sunbeds to claim these for the day. However, tensions rise when people do this but don't return for hours at a time, leaving others unable to enjoy the pool despite there being empty beds. Just recently, holidaymakers were spotted using a sneaky tactic before the pool staff had even laid out the loungers, with other tourists slamming the "pathetic" behaviour. Meanwhile, one British couple was recently livid when they returned to a stern warning from hotel staff after they'd left their loungers for half an hour, claiming that other holidaymakers had been away from their sunbeds for longer but not received any backlash. If you are going to step away from your sun lounger, you may want to leave your valuables back in your room - but even then, Niraj warns that you'll want to make sure they're in the safe. "Valuables not stored in a locked safe are rarely covered," explains the insurance expert. "If you leave your passport, jewellery, or expensive tech out on the bedside table or tucked into a suitcase, and they're taken, your insurer may argue you failed to secure them properly. "The policy wording often requires that high-value items be locked in a hotel safe when not in use. It's a small effort that makes a big difference to whether you're covered."
Daily Record
03-07-2025
- Daily Record
Ryanair passengers stranded by air traffic control strikes may 'not be covered' by insurance
Passengers affected have been told they may not be covered by standard travel insurance. Ryanair passengers who have been left high and dry amid a series of French air traffic control strikes may not be covered by their travel insurance, it has emerged. It is feared the strikes will impact some 30,000 fliers across Europe as the summer holidays kick off. Ryanair said it had been forced to cancel more than 170 flights as a nationwide air traffic controller strike in France started today. In Edinburgh, three flights were cancelled this morning as the French civil aviation authority asked airlines to reduce flights by 40 per cent to hubs in Paris. But passengers affected by the strikes and cancellations have been told they may not be covered by standard travel insurance in a further blow. Experts at Forum Insurance are warning that many travellers may be unaware that their standard travel insurance won't cover them for airspace disruption caused by strikes. As disruption is hitting flights to and from France, and across European airspace, including routes between the UK, Greece, Spain, and Ireland, passengers are likely unaware that most standard travel policies don't include cover for strikes or air traffic control issues unless an optional add-on has been purchased. It means travellers caught out could face unexpected costs or delays with no insurance protection. Expert insight from Niraj Mamtora, Director at Forum Insurance said: "Standard travel insurance often excludes airspace disruption, so travellers shouldn't assume they're covered for strikes or air traffic control closures. "To be protected, you need a policy with 'travel disruption' or 'airspace closure' as an optional add-on or as part of a higher-tier policy. 'This cover can reimburse you for missed travel and accommodation, enforced overnight stays abroad, or extra costs if you're stranded and no alternative transport is available for over 24 hours." However there is an important caveat to this which fliers should be aware of when purchasing any add ons. Niraj added: "But it usually only applies if the disruption was unexpected at the time of booking, and some policies exclude cover if the strike was already known or if you travel against official advice. 'Check your policy wording carefully. Look for any reference to 'travel disruption', 'airspace closure', or 'missed departure'. Even if your plan doesn't include full disruption cover, there may be some limited benefits. "And if you're already abroad, your travel provider or tour operator may be obliged to help with alternative arrangements.' France's air traffic control union announced its workers would go on strike on July 3 and 4 due to concerns like understaffing, burnout and employees being overworked. And Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary called for the president of the European Commission to change the EU's air traffic controllers' services calling the strikes 'abundantly unfair' on those trying to go on holiday.
South Wales Argus
18-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Mounjaro and Ozempic warning for holiday travel insurance
The last year has seen a huge increase in the number of people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and liraglutide (Saxenda). Others may be taking tablets such as Orlistat or Alli. Travel insurance providers are warning that the growing number of Brits turning to these breakthrough drugs for weight management could lose their cover and face huge medical bills abroad if they don't declare their usage when arranging travel insurance. Review your ICB's local policy about treating patients with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management in a primary care setting and visit: — We are Primary Care (@PrimaryCareNHS) June 12, 2025 Many don't want to admit they are taking the weight-loss drugs, or think that if they buy it privately online, it doesn't need to be declared. Niraj Mamtora, director at Forum Insurance, says: 'Weight-loss medications like Ozempic are transforming lives across the UK, but too many travellers don't realise the insurance implications. If you're using these drugs, you must declare both the medication and the condition it's prescribed for. 'Failure to do so is not a minor oversight - it's a serious breach of your travel insurance contract. If you need medical help overseas and haven't declared your medication, your claim can be refused and your policy cancelled. The financial consequences can be severe.' What happens if you don't disclose weight-loss jabs on your travel insurance? 'Non-disclosure is a gamble that's simply not worth taking," says Niraj. "If you don't declare your medication or the underlying condition, your insurer is within their rights to refuse any claim, even if it seems unrelated. 'Many travellers only discover too late that their travel insurance claims are rejected, leaving them without support and facing potentially huge bills. Do I Need Travel Insurance? "With the average medical claim abroad now exceeding £1,700, and costs rising significantly with age, being properly covered is more important than ever.' 'Skinny Jab' weight loss medication is surging According to The Pharmacist website 1.5 million UK citizens used weight-loss jabs in March 2025, and the number is believed to be growing each month. 'Recent NHS data shows that between March 2024 and February 2025, more than 83,000 unique patients in England were dispensed Ozempic, while over 344,000 people received a prescription for weight-loss medications overall in the past year," says Niraj. 'With new drugs entering the market and millions more eligible for these treatments, the number of Brits travelling with prescription weight-loss medication is set to rise further.' Recommended reading: What to do if you are travelling abroad while taking weight-loss medication Declare all pre-existing medical conditions and any medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, when purchasing travel insurance. If you are taking medication without a prescription or for off-label use, you must disclose this, as it can affect your travel cover. Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter when travelling with medication, and check the rules of your destination country regarding bringing in prescription drugs. Remember that insurance claims related to undeclared conditions or medications can be refused, even if the issue seems unrelated.
Glasgow Times
17-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Mounjaro and Ozempic warning for holiday travel insurance
The last year has seen a huge increase in the number of people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and liraglutide (Saxenda). Others may be taking tablets such as Orlistat or Alli. Travel insurance providers are warning that the growing number of Brits turning to these breakthrough drugs for weight management could lose their cover and face huge medical bills abroad if they don't declare their usage when arranging travel insurance. Review your ICB's local policy about treating patients with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management in a primary care setting and visit: — We are Primary Care (@PrimaryCareNHS) June 12, 2025 Many don't want to admit they are taking the weight-loss drugs, or think that if they buy it privately online, it doesn't need to be declared. Niraj Mamtora, director at Forum Insurance, says: 'Weight-loss medications like Ozempic are transforming lives across the UK, but too many travellers don't realise the insurance implications. If you're using these drugs, you must declare both the medication and the condition it's prescribed for. 'Failure to do so is not a minor oversight - it's a serious breach of your travel insurance contract. If you need medical help overseas and haven't declared your medication, your claim can be refused and your policy cancelled. The financial consequences can be severe.' What happens if you don't disclose weight-loss jabs on your travel insurance? 'Non-disclosure is a gamble that's simply not worth taking," says Niraj. "If you don't declare your medication or the underlying condition, your insurer is within their rights to refuse any claim, even if it seems unrelated. 'Many travellers only discover too late that their travel insurance claims are rejected, leaving them without support and facing potentially huge bills. Do I Need Travel Insurance? "With the average medical claim abroad now exceeding £1,700, and costs rising significantly with age, being properly covered is more important than ever.' 'Skinny Jab' weight loss medication is surging According to The Pharmacist website 1.5 million UK citizens used weight-loss jabs in March 2025, and the number is believed to be growing each month. 'Recent NHS data shows that between March 2024 and February 2025, more than 83,000 unique patients in England were dispensed Ozempic, while over 344,000 people received a prescription for weight-loss medications overall in the past year," says Niraj. 'With new drugs entering the market and millions more eligible for these treatments, the number of Brits travelling with prescription weight-loss medication is set to rise further.' Recommended reading: What to do if you are travelling abroad while taking weight-loss medication Declare all pre-existing medical conditions and any medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, when purchasing travel insurance. If you are taking medication without a prescription or for off-label use, you must disclose this, as it can affect your travel cover. Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter when travelling with medication, and check the rules of your destination country regarding bringing in prescription drugs. Remember that insurance claims related to undeclared conditions or medications can be refused, even if the issue seems unrelated.
The Herald Scotland
17-06-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Mounjaro and Ozempic warning for holiday travel insurance
Travel insurance providers are warning that the growing number of Brits turning to these breakthrough drugs for weight management could lose their cover and face huge medical bills abroad if they don't declare their usage when arranging travel insurance. Review your ICB's local policy about treating patients with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management in a primary care setting and visit: — We are Primary Care (@PrimaryCareNHS) June 12, 2025 Many don't want to admit they are taking the weight-loss drugs, or think that if they buy it privately online, it doesn't need to be declared. Niraj Mamtora, director at Forum Insurance, says: 'Weight-loss medications like Ozempic are transforming lives across the UK, but too many travellers don't realise the insurance implications. If you're using these drugs, you must declare both the medication and the condition it's prescribed for. 'Failure to do so is not a minor oversight - it's a serious breach of your travel insurance contract. If you need medical help overseas and haven't declared your medication, your claim can be refused and your policy cancelled. The financial consequences can be severe.' What happens if you don't disclose weight-loss jabs on your travel insurance? 'Non-disclosure is a gamble that's simply not worth taking," says Niraj. "If you don't declare your medication or the underlying condition, your insurer is within their rights to refuse any claim, even if it seems unrelated. 'Many travellers only discover too late that their travel insurance claims are rejected, leaving them without support and facing potentially huge bills. Do I Need Travel Insurance? "With the average medical claim abroad now exceeding £1,700, and costs rising significantly with age, being properly covered is more important than ever.' 'Skinny Jab' weight loss medication is surging According to The Pharmacist website 1.5 million UK citizens used weight-loss jabs in March 2025, and the number is believed to be growing each month. 'Recent NHS data shows that between March 2024 and February 2025, more than 83,000 unique patients in England were dispensed Ozempic, while over 344,000 people received a prescription for weight-loss medications overall in the past year," says Niraj. 'With new drugs entering the market and millions more eligible for these treatments, the number of Brits travelling with prescription weight-loss medication is set to rise further.' Recommended reading: What to do if you are travelling abroad while taking weight-loss medication Declare all pre-existing medical conditions and any medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, when purchasing travel insurance. If you are taking medication without a prescription or for off-label use, you must disclose this, as it can affect your travel cover. Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter when travelling with medication, and check the rules of your destination country regarding bringing in prescription drugs. Remember that insurance claims related to undeclared conditions or medications can be refused, even if the issue seems unrelated.
