Related Stories

Brits 'will always travel to Spain' (22 Apr 2009)

Drop flight tax plans, says BA (22 Apr 2009)

Indian cricket ace to coach at La Manga Club (23 Apr 2009)

Ryanair 'may introduce obesity tax' (23 Apr 2009)

Skyscanner reveals 'top bank holiday destinations' (23 Apr 2009)

'Tourists look for transparency in travel insurance'

(22 Feb 2007)

Going on holiday? – Get a great deal on travel insurance

Holidaymakers are looking to the government to make travel insurance providers become more transparent in what their policy covers, a new study reports.

According to research by the British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba), some 97 per cent of consumers want the government to protect them from travel agents who do not explain the details of their travel insurance policies.

The study, conducted by Populus, also revealed that 72 per cent of consumers who had bought travel insurance from travel agents recently were not advised on whether terrorism cover was included as part of their travel insurance policy.

Biba chief executive Eric Galbraith said: "Travel insurance is vital when we jet off on our holidays and it is the role of the provider to ensure that consumers are both fully covered and understand the limits of their policies."

Mr Galbraith's comments follow the launch of a government enquiry into the sale of travel insurance, when bought as part of a package holiday.

Although stand-alone travel insurance brokers, such as Go Travel Insurance, are subject to the regulatory control as other forms of insurance, travel insurance, sold as part of a package deal is exempt from this.

The study also reported that only 44 per cent of travel agents and tour operators explain to tourists how to make a claim, compared to 69 per cent of travel insurance brokers.

According to the Treasury, about 20 million consumers purchase travel insurance every year, covering a variety of situations including the cost of medical cover, cancellation of travel plans and replacing lost or stolen items.

Holidaymakers will be glad to know Go Travel Insurance offers a range of travel insurance policies covering a wide variety of sports and activities.

© Adfero Ltd