Martin Lewis has issued a crucial warning to anyone planning a group holiday with friends or family. The MoneySavingExpert founder shared the alert during a recent episode of ITV's The Martin Lewis Money Show.

He posted a clip from the programme on his TikTok account, with the caption: "Think carefully before buying solo travel insurance if you're travelling with a group." His warning focuses on securing the correct type of travel insurance - not merely purchasing it as soon as a trip is booked, but also choosing the right cover should something go wrong within your group.

Martin Lewis urges people to think carefully before taking out solo travel insurance for group holidays. He warns that such policies typically fail to provide cover for cancellations when one person's circumstances force the entire group to withdraw.

He recommends obtaining a shared or comprehensive group policy so that if one member of the party cannot travel, everybody else remains protected. He also emphasises that insurance should be purchased "ASAB" (As Soon As You Book).

Should a solo traveller need to cancel owing to a personal emergency, their individual insurance will not reimburse the costs incurred by friends or family who are consequently unable to go. Having a single group policy ensures that if one person's emergency results in the entire trip being cancelled, all members of the party are covered for cancellation.

Whichever type of policy you choose, Martin Lewis stresses the vital importance of securing insurance immediately upon booking to protect against cancellations before departure. When purchasing cover independently, make certain the policy accommodates the specific needs of a group holiday, should one person's circumstances affect the entire trip, reports Wales Online.

During an episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show, viewer David shared his own experience involving travel insurance for a group booking. He said: "I booked flights to Australia for a family group of seven to travel in March next year. I took out insurance immediately.

"One of our group is now pregnant and can't travel on the dates planned. It costs £5,000 to reschedule, which I'm happy to report the insurance covered."

Responding to David's experience, Martin Lewis outlined what larger groups must consider. "Think of who you're booking for," he said. "So, if it's a family group and one can't go, they'll often cover you.

"But, if there's a large group of friends going, you often all get independent travel insurance. Well, then if one can't go or and you can't all go on the trip, it's only the person who's got that cover. So, you'd need a group insurance policy so that if one can't go, you all can't go." Martin Lewis repeatedly underscores the essential requirement to arrange travel insurance the instant you book a holiday.

Writing on the Money Saving Expert website, he said: "Each year, heartbreakingly, without fail, in the run-up to summer, someone who's been diagnosed with cancer or another serious condition that needs long-term treatment tells me they won't be able to go on their holiday, but the airline/hotel won't refund them (which is within their rights as the ticket is not faulty).

"I say 'that's what travel insurance is for'... yet they then tell me they haven't got round to getting it yet. My heart sinks. Half the point of the cover is to protect you if things happen before then that stop you going, so please get it ASAB (As Soon As you've Booked)."

Numerous travel insurance providers offer group policies. The 'best' travel insurance for a group holiday really hinges on your specific requirements, such as the size of your party, any pre-existing medical conditions, and your travel frequency. Typically, group travel insurance proves beneficial because it streamlines matters by covering everyone under a single policy that delivers identical protection for all members.