Endsleigh News & Press Releases

15 March 2004

Holiday Insurance - Don't Get Taken for a Ride

Students are paying almost 60% more than they need to

A new study from Endsleigh Insurance has discovered that some students are paying almost 60% more than they need to for holiday insurance by taking out last-minute policies from the high street. As many students begin to think about booking a holiday for after exams or before they start work placements, Endsleigh has urged them to shop around and get the best deal.

Endsleigh analysed travel insurance packages available from high street stores and travel agents for both a two-week holiday in Europe and annual multi trip insurance. They discovered that students could be paying over 25% more than they need to for multi-trip insurance and almost 60% more than they need to for a two-week European trip.

Two-Week Holiday in Europe
Available From Price Percentage More Expensive
Endsleigh £18.90 -
Boots £22.00 +16.4%
Post Office £25.00 +32.2%
Going Places £29.99 +58.7%
Note: All prices correct as of February 2004

Annual Multi-Trip Insurance
Available From Price Percentage More Expensive
Endsleigh £53.75
Boots £59.00 +9.8%
Post Office £62.00 +15.3%
Going Places £68.18 +26.8%
Note: All prices for European travel including wintersports and correct as of February 2004.

Stuart Wartalski, Head of Corporate Communications at Endsleigh Insurance commented: "Given the potential costs of replacing belongings or paying for medical bills, holiday insurance really is a necessity. But just because it's important for your trip doesn't mean you should pay more than necessary."

"Our analysis reveals that travel agents and others may rely on students opting for convenience, rather than comparing policies and prices. Our advice is simple - don't just pick up holiday insurance when you book with your travel agent or grab it last minute with your sun block from the chemists, look for the right package at the best price and save yourself money in the long run."

In addition to standard or tailor-made packages, Endsleigh offers a range of specialist policies including wintersports, specialist activity holidays, backpacking, globetrotter, gap year and studying abroad.

Endsleigh's policies are available online, by telephone and via 130 branches across the country.

- ENDS -

Notes to editors

Endsleigh is an independent intermediary specialising in the provision of insurance and financial products for career people.

Originally founded in 1965 to serve the student market, Endsleigh is now the preferred insurance supplier for a variety of professional organisations, offering a wide range of services including motor, home, student and travel insurance.

Endsleigh also offers business insurance through Endsleigh Business Insurance Services and financial advice through Endsleigh Financial Independent Tailoring.

Contact Details
For further information about Endsleigh, to arrange an interview or to get more details about case studies, please contact:

Bridget Hargreave, Nick Faith, Aideen McDonald or Ben Frankel at Luther Pendragon on 020 7618 9100 or at endsleigh@luther.co.uk.

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.