Which? confirms travel agents travel insurance failings

Added 24/05/2010

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Which? magazine has conducted a survey of 29 travel agents throughout the country, highlighting their inexperience when it comes to travel insurance.

Many of the policies were extortionate in price. One quote soared at £80.99 for a two week break for two people in Spain.

Three branches of First Choice, Going Places, Thomas Cook, Thomson and Co-operative Travel were scrutinised, in addition to 14 independent travel agencies.

Many of the agencies didn’t provide the policy holder with all the necessary details, though the independent agencies did slightly better on this front than the well known brands.

Around half the agencies failed to give the policy holder a copy of their travel insurance, and only six agencies volunteered information about how to cancel the policy.

Six of the travel agents didn’t enquire about pre existing medical conditions, failing to even explain the importance of declaring pre existing medical conditions. Goodtogoinsurance.com specialises in providing travel insurance policies for people with pre existing medical conditions. We’ll ask you a few simple questions to determine the right policy for you and your condition.

In response to the research, Which? said: "The recent disruption to flights has demonstrated just how important it is to have adequate cover. If travel agents want to sell insurance, they must train their staff properly so customers can feel confident they’ve bought the right policy. Otherwise, they should stop selling it altogether and leave it to the experts."

Buying comprehensive travel insurance for your holiday is essential. Travel insurance will cover potentially high medical bills abroad, repatriation and lost luggage. Make sure you know exactly what your travel insurance policy covers you for. Remember to declare your pre existing medical condition and ensure that your policy covers any hazardous activities that you want to take part in.

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