Brits 'confused about travel insurance'

26 January 2009 10:36

Holidaymakers are being urged to check their travel insurance after it was revealed that many Brits are not sure what they are covered for.

Research by supermarket giant Tesco found that one million Brits who tried to claim last year were told they were not covered by their policy.

Reasons behind being unaware of what an insurance policy covers include not reading the small print and being ignorant of the product being bought.

Paul Baxter of Tesco said: "Insurance polices can be complicated, and it is not surprising that so many people find themselves in a situation where they thought they were covered when in fact they weren't."

Meanwhile, the recent chaos at the new Heathrow Terminal Five has highlighted the importance of getting adequate travel insurance – and understanding exactly what it covers.

Numerous flights have been cancelled or delayed and passengers may be able to claim their money back if they have an insurance policy which covers for this eventuality. ADNFCR-1320-ID-18533139-ADNFCR

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Martin Rothwell, Senior Partner World First Travel Insurances, says:

Travel insurance is a complicated product. Unfortunately, many travellers opt to buy the cheapest travel insurance they can find. Holidaymakers should read their policy before they travel, and make sure they understand what they are covered for, and more importantly what they are not covered for. Everyone should take a copy of their travel insurance with them on holiday so they know what to do in the event of an emergency whilst abroad.

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