Abta expresses concern over insurance

The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) has expressed concern that fewer travel companies will sell travel insurance this year, meaning that more holidaymakers could go abroad without proper cover.

On January 1st, new government regulations came into effect meaning that all sales of insurance by travel agents and tour operators are now regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Abta is concerned that the cost and complexity of these new rules could lead to fewer companies selling travel insurance.

Mike Monk, Abta's head of financial services, stressed the importance of travellers purchasing insurance, either from their holiday provider or another company.

"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," he said.

"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."

Abta recently published a report predicting that holiday destinations outside the eurozone, such as Egypt, Mexico and Turkey, could prove popular with British travellers in 2009.

Posted by Teddie, 02 January 2009 15:01

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