Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis issued a stark warning to any keen holidaymakers this year, saying there's one thing you have to do "sooner rather than later".
He appeared on Tuesday's episode of This Morning to talk all things money and take questions from viewers who were unsure where to turn.
One woman called Rita who emailed into the show was concerned about her travel insurance, saying she wasn't paid the amount of money she was owed by her provider.
Rita's son had sadly died a short while after the holiday to Tenerife was booked, meaning they had to cancel it.
Liverpool Echo reports that Martin was quick to offer his condolences to Rita, and was also keen to help her understand why she wasn't refunded - despite following "all proper procedures".
Martin said: "If you're not getting that refund, you need to understand why."
He went on to say that when it comes to travel insurance, many people "don't realise" that it is fully regulated by the FCA as he added: "That means you have a right to take the travel firm to the financial ombudsman."
He went on to say this was free, all you need to do is fill in a form online. He said: "You don't need to write fancy language, you don't need a lawyer."
The finance expert added: "It's a horrible situation to be in. You've done absolutely everything right and one would hope the travel insurance company would treat you with a bit more care."
In order to help people's holidays run as smoothly as possible, Martin urged viewers to book their insurance "sooner rather than later".
He said: "So many people have booked their summer holidays but haven't got travel insurance. My rule on travel insurance is to get it ASAB, as soon as you book, in case heaven forbid, something happens to stop you going away beforehand."
Martin added that he gets many calls and messages saying people cannot go on their holiday due to chemotherapy treatment and other issues, but did not have their travel insurance booked.
Speaking to Rita, he encouraged her to make a formal complaint, before warning others: "Everyone else, if you have a holiday booked, get your travel insurance."
Support for Rita came pouring in online as one person took to Twitter to write: "That Insurance company is a disgrace. They need better policies for dealing with bereaved people! Please name them!"
Another said: "As if the poor woman hasn't enough to deal with."
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