ABTA Concerned about travel insurance
2009-01-06
ABTA is concerned that more people will travel uninsured in 2009 due to new Government regulations. From 1 January 2009 sales of travel insurance sold through travel agents and tour operators will be regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and ABTA is concerned that the cost and complexity of the new regulations will mean that fewer companies will offer travel insurance. This could, argues ABTA, mean more holidaymakers might be tempted to travelling unprotected. Travel insurance typically includes cover for cancellations of holidays as well as cover for accidents and illness overseas and lost baggage.
ABTA's Code of Conduct makes it clear that travel agents and tour operators must draw their clients' attention to the importance of travel insurance.
Mike Monk, ABTA’s Head of Financial Services said: “When you are travelling, make sure you get adequate and appropriate travel insurance for where you are going and for what you will be doing. Ask your travel company about insurance, and if they can’t offer it, make sure you obtain it elsewhere as soon after you book your holiday as possible.”
It might seem possible to save money on travel insurance, but you will need to ensure several key facts before saving money in the short term, only to find serious consequences might ensue, should you attempt to make a claim against the policy. Always establish exactly what is covered by any policy you are offered. If it looks too good to be true, then it might be. If you must shop around, don't automatically go for the cheapest policy. And if you do shop around, check several policies before buying anything. After all, you would probably not just buy the first car you saw.
Don't be afraid of spending a little more money for peace of mind. After all, it is your holiday and you do not want to risk spoiling it by inappropriate parsimony (I.E., being a skinflint!) on vital points like insurance premiums. In any case, you will find links for insurance on the APH website.
