New government regulations have raised concerns that more people will travel without insurance in 2009.
The warning came from ABTA as sales of travel insurance sold through travel agents and tour operators started being regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
ABTA said it was concerned that the cost and complexity of the new regulations, which came into force on January 1, will mean that fewer companies will offer travel insurance and this will lead to more holidaymakers 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 agents and operators must draw their clients’ attention to the importance of travel insurance.
ABTA head of financial services Mike Monk 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.”
by Phil Davies
