Holidaymakers urged to check travel insurance amid alarming rise in whooping cough

Record numbers of whooping cough cases have been reported in a number of countries in recent months, including in Europe, the UK, US and Australia. Measles cases are also on the rise.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has warned that infants under six months old are at the highest risk of contracting whooping cough, which is also known as pertussis.

In the year to April, there have been nearly 60,000 cases in the EU, a more-than tenfold increase on 2022 and 2021.

Peopl Insurance advised those travelling overseas this summer to make sure they are adequately covered for long-haul and cruise travel. Paul Walsh, a spokesman for Peopl Insurance, said one-third of all travel insurance claims to the company relate to medical expenses abroad.

In relation to the huge increase in whooping cough, he said it is important that travellers check their policy details to ensure they are adequately covered.

Mr Walsh said: “Travel insurance will usually cover you if you contract a contagious or infectious disease – though it would be important to check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance around this, particularly in relation to vaccinations.”

He said another third of claims relate to cancellations prior to travel due to illness.

“In this instance, good cancellation and curtailment cover is important in case an illness either precludes you from travelling or forces you to cut short your trip.”

Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show a 21pc increase in Irish residents travelling to the US and Canada.

Mr Walsh urged those embarking on long-haul trips to have good travel cover for missed connecting flights as well as for any medical expenses incurred if they become sick or injured abroad. “The bill for medical expenses in some international countries could run into the tens of thousands of euro, so having strong cover is a must.”

Recent figures show that holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took 35pc more cruise holidays last year than in 2022. However, standard travel insurance might not cover people in full if they are going on a cruise.

Peopl Insurance also urged holidaymakers to check their cover for extreme weather events, protests and civil unrest, strikes and travel delays.