Travel agents 'fail customers' over insurance
By myfinances.co.uk staff
Travel agents are "failing" holidaymakers by offering potentially unsuitable insurance policies that represent poor value for money, according to new research.
A study of 29 agencies by consumer group Which? found that in 17 cases, companies failed to provide "the most basic details" of their policies.
Only six asked about pre-existing medical conditions and none explained the importance of declaring these conditions before a policy is taken out.
Buying travel insurance through these companies also proved expensive, with one quoting a price of £80.99 for a deal covering a fortnight in Spain for two. Which? said that a best buy policy for the same holiday can cost as little as £20.
Furthermore, only six of the firms visited for the report highlighted the 14-day cooling off period for insurance policies.
Which? Holiday head of research Rochelle Turner said: "If travel agents want to sell insurance, they must train their staff properly so customers can feel confident they've bought the right policy.
"Otherwise, they should stop selling it altogether and leave it to the experts."
According to moneysupermarket.com, travel insurance is up to 211% more expensive when it is bought through an airline, travel agent or tour operator compared to shopping around among brokers.
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