Travel Agents Mis-Selling Insurance Policies
New research shows that many travel agents are quoting higher prices for holiday insurance and failing to sell policies accurately when compared with banks and insurers.
Holiday insurance bought from travel agents is often more expensive and sold without questions being asked, warns a consumer watchdog.
Undercover research by Which? found holiday cover quotes from travel agents where often more expensive than those provided by banks or insurance companies.
No reported agency covered the three basic issues – explaining what is covered, making clear what is excluded and asking about pre-existing medical conditions.
Two thirds of travel agents failed to ask about medical histories and most did not explain what the policies covered, none pointed out what was not covered.
"Buying holiday insurance from a travel 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 Neil Fowler, editor of 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 right cover, consumers are advised to declare any information that could lead to a claim, check cover limits and exclusions, watch out for excesses, read the small print and tell the insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions affecting them or anyone else on whom holiday plans depend.
