Re: Travel agents 'rip off' tourists on travel insurance

[Gambitt]

 Tourists who purchase travel insurance from tour operators and travel agents are being "ripped off", a new study claims.
 
 According to research by InsureandGo, a single-trip policy bought from a travel agent is up to 92 per cent more expensive in comparison to the general market.
 
 Meanwhile, travel insurance within the EU was reported to be 9.3 per cent more expensive when purchased from travel agents compared to the market average.
 
 The research follows findings by Which? and the BBC stating that holiday agents who regularly sell travel insurance fail to explain the terms and conditions of policies to consumers.
 
 InsureandGo director Perry Wilson said: "As if it isn't bad enough that travel agents are indulging in heavy-handed and misleading practices to sell their insurance products, now we find that they are massively overcharging customers too."
 
 As a result, he suggested all travel insurance providers need to be regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
 
 "The industry needs a level playing field and customers need protection - and a better deal from their insurance providers," Mr Wilson added.
 
 Last month, Graeme Trudgill, manager of technical services at the British Insurance Brokers' Association, claimed that opting for travel insurance from a travel agent could mean holidaymakers may receive little advice about their policy.
 
 He suggested that consumers instead purchase travel insurance from specialist brokers, such as Go Travel Insurance which are regulated by the FSA.
 
 © Adfero Ltd
 

from: http://www.gotravelinsurance.co.uk/public/news.asp?id=18118635

[lizzylobs]

We only realised that we have been covered by our bank card for the last ten years when we booked this years holiday  :roll:    :roll:  ..its worth checking the small print on whats included with your account

[Harlequin]

We have got multi trip travel insurance through our bank this covered the kids until they was 18, later this year we are all off to Greece, the travel agent quoted £40pp for travel insurance we got them a similar policy for £16

[Gambitt]

Wow.  That's even more than the 92% listed above.
 
 Thanks for the first hand info.

[Harlequin]

Thats for European cover, for worldwide cover First choice want £40, Thomson £57   :eek:   , Thomas cook £67     :eek:    :eek: ,  you can get a similar policy  for £30