ABTA warning in light of new insurance regulations

As new governmental regulations come into effect, concerns are on the rise that in increasing numbers the public will go on holiday without travel cover in the New Year.

A warning has been issued by the ABTA as the Financial Services Authority takes on the regulation of travel insurance sales by tour operators and travel agents.

ABTA cited the costs involved and the complexity of the new regulations, in force as from 1 January, will mean fewer operators offering travel cover, and thereby a greater number of holidaymakers travelling without insurance in 2009.

Typically, travel insurance covers holiday cancellations, accidents, illness and lost baggage.

The ABTA Code of Conduct states that member operators and agents are obliged to make their clients aware of the importance of travel cover.

Mike Monk, ABTA’s head of financial services, recommended to holidaymakers: “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.”

Thanks to www.travelmole.com for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

www.abta.com