One in five 'still fail to buy travel insurance'
06 October 2011 14:16:40
 |
| Many Brits risk financial hardship by neglecting travel insurance. |
The ABTA Consumer Trends survey, which questioned 2,018 consumers, revealed that 21% of respondents mistakenly thought the government would cover any medical bills incurred overseas.
In addition, 17% of survey participants wrongly claimed that they did not need to compare travel insurance policies because they carried a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
John de Vial, head of financial protection at ABTA, expressed concern at the findings.
He said: "It is very worrying that so many people are putting their health and finances at risk by travelling abroad without insurance.
"In the current economic climate customers should be careful to purchase insurance at the time of booking their holiday to obtain cancellation cover for redundancy as well as any potential illness prior to travelling."
Lynda St Cooke, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Office, confirmed that staff at the consular office cannot pay British travellers' hospital bills or fly them home.
She added that the Foreign Office is "very concerned" by the number of people travelling without comprehensive travel insurance.
‹ Back
Other Travel insurance News
-
Holidaymakers 'in favour of environmental ratings'
Environmental issues are important to many holidaymakers. -
One in five 'still fail to buy travel insurance'
Many Brits risk financial hardship by neglecting travel insurance. -
One in three people 'fly without travel insurance'
Many holidaymakers fail to buy travel insurance. -
Study finds big variation in gap year travel cover
Gap year travellers should compare travel insurance policies carefully.
All Travel insurance News
Other Home Page News
-
Think twice before taking out a payday loan
Payday loan customers may experience severe financial problems in future. -
Planning a trip? Here's where to spend your travel cash
Sterling has made strong gains against many currencies this year. -
Make sure you know your likely broadband speed
Many ISPs are still not being upfront about broadband speeds. -
Save money by checking out fixed-term energy deals
Energy costs are expected to rise again this winter.
All News Stories
Product Offers
Please ensure that you fully read the terms & conditions of any product or policy before you decide to proceed and are fully aware of the total costs and the benefits and any exclusions or limitations applicable to the product or plan.
Please note that the product links will take you direct to the Issuer or Insurer's site direct and we cannot be held responsible for the information which they provide within their own sites. On some comparison tables we use a star rating which rates products by visitor popularity.
Please ensure that you fully read the terms & conditions of any product or policy before you decide to proceed and are fully aware of the total costs and the benefits and any exclusions or limitations applicable to the product or plan.
Please note that the product links will take you direct to the Issuer or Insurer's site direct and we cannot be held responsible for the information which they provide within their own sites. On some comparison tables we use a star rating which rates products by visitor popularity.