ABTA concerned about rise in uninsured travellers

New regulations instituted this year may lead to more people travelling without insurance cover.

Travel Insurance News - 05/01/2009

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As the sale of travel insurance by tour operators and travel agents becomes regulated this year by the Financial Conduct Authority, the ABTA is warning that the combination of the complexity of the regulations and the costs involved will mean fewer companies offering travel cover, and that as a result, it is likely that more holidaymakers will head abroad without protection of travel insurance.

Travel cover normally includes protection against trip cancellation, for emergencies such as accidents and illnesses and also for loss of baggage, among others.

The ABTA Code of Conduct clearly states that tour operators and travel agents must make their clients aware of the importance of having travel insurance.

Mike Monk, ABTA’s head of financial services, commented to the travelling public: “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.”

Monk went on to say: “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.”

<< Australian tourism slows on global downturn | Travel News | Six million holiday bookings expected this month >>