Which? Warns Of Travel Agents Insurance Rip-Off

Although many of us now do our own travel arrangements using the internet there are still some people who prefer to go to their high street travel agent and talk to a real person. However, this could be a mistake when looking for travel insurance recent research has revealed.

Holidaymakers buying their travel insurance from travel agents are being ripped off and risk leaving themselves exposed in a disaster, warns consumer group Which?

The group sent its mystery shoppers out across the UK, finding that travel insurance sold by travel agents was often up to £200 more expensive for a family than policies online.

Staff also failed to follow basic guidelines to make sure that the policy being sold would be suitable for individual holidaymakers and failed to point out any exclusions. None of the agents visited followed asking about pre-existing medical conditions.

Which? also noted that travel agents are excluded from regulatory cover by the Financial Services Authority, meaning that buyers will have no protection if things go wrong.

"Buying travel insurance from an agent may seem the easy option, but you'll pay more and you don't have the same protection if you’re sold an unsuitable policy," said a spokesman from Which?

"There's no reason why travel agents should be excluded from insurance regulation.”

"People should have the same protection and peace of mind on holiday regardless of where they've bought their travel insurance."

To get great travel insurance deals go online. There are many comparison sites which can help you select the right policy for your individual circumstances.

Top tips to make sure you get the right cover:

•    Declare any information that could lead to a claim.
•    Check cover limits and exclusions.
•    Watch out for excesses.
•    Read the small print.
•    Tell the insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions affecting you or anyone else on whom your holiday plans depend.

If you would like to know more about travel insurance why not ask AnswerBank Insurance.