Brits abroad urged to check their policies

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Mon, 09 Aug 04

British holidaymakers have been warned to check the small print of their Travel Insurance policies following a sharp increase in disputes over claims made for spoilt holidays.

Insurance companies have refused to pay out thousands of pounds for medical treatment and lost holidays after travellers were taken ill, according to reports.

Consumers often have claims turned down on the grounds that they did not declare a pre-existing medical condition and consumer groups have accused the industry of hiding crucial exclusion clauses among pages of dense legal jargon.

New figures from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) showed that the number of Travel Insurance complaints rose from 1,088 in 2002/03 to 1,453 in 2003/04, an increase of 34 per cent. About half of all cases are resolved by mediation and the FOS typically finds in favour of consumers in just over half the rest.

Holidaymakers need to ensure that they get the right type of policy - one that fits themselves and their chosen destination.

Travel Insurance is a vital companion for foreign and domestic trips, but all policies have their limitations.

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Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting its web site at www.fsa.gov.uk/register.
Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.