ABTA tells government to ease red tape on sale of travel insurance
ABTA is repeating its call to the Government to review regulations around the sale of travel insurance after research showed that a growing number of holidaymakers are travelling uninsured.
ABTA research shows that the number increased from 20% in 2011 to 25% in last year.
In 2007, the Financial Services Authority regulated the sale of travel insurance, which resulted in many travel agents ceasing to sell the product.
To encourage more consumers to take out travel insurance, ABTA is also launching a new consumer campaign in partnership with the Foreign Office.
Part of the on-going ‘Know Before You Go’ initiative, the campaign will explain why travel insurance is necessary. It will include new research looking at attitudes to travel insurance and public understanding of the implications of travelling without it. www.ABTA.com/travelinsurance will also be updated to include a comprehensive guide to travel insurance for consumers.
Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "The concern ABTA and many of our Members have is that the regulations are too burdensome, which means fewer travel businesses are selling insurance, and ultimately that means fewer holidaymakers are taking out the appropriate insurance.
"The Government must do all that it can to make it easy for people to buy the right type of cover for their needs and that starts by cutting red tape; we will continue to make our Members’ views clear to Government.
" In the meantime, it is very important that Members familiarise themselves with their rights and responsibilities in informing customers about travel insurance."
The updated guidance for members on travel insurance can be found in the guidance and resources area of the Member Zone on ABTA.com.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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