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Consumers behind travel insurance regulation plans

Around 97 per cent of consumers back government plans to regulate travel insurance sold by travel agents, according to the British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba).

The research, conducted by Populus for the organisation, followed the launch of a government investigation into the sale of travel insurance as part of a holiday package, after concerns that some travel agents do not explain the full details of travel insurance policies.

While the sale of travel insurance on its own is subject to the same regulatory controls as other kinds of insurance, when it is sold as part of a travel package it is exempt from these controls.

The Populus survey found that 72 per cent of consumers who had recently bought travel insurance had not been advised whether terrorism cover was included in their policy.

Less than half (42 per cent) of consumers who bought policies from travel agents and tour operators were advised about hazardous sports compared to 67 per cent who bought from insurance brokers and only 44 per cent of tour operators and travel agents explained how to make a claim, compared to 69 per cent of insurance brokers.

Biba chief executive Eric Galbraith said: "Travel insurance is vital when we jet off on our holidays, and it is the role of the provider to ensure that consumers are both fully covered and understand the limits of their policies."

Skiers and snowboarders warned of off-piste risk

Skiers and snowboarders planning to venture off-piste on their winter holiday need to make sure that they have the appropriate travel insurance, it has been advised.

American Express Travel Insurance said that due to patchy snow reports across Europe, skiers and snowboarders may be tempted away from safer well-worn pistes to find snow.

However, unless they have the right cover for going off-piste, winter sports enthusiasts may find that they are liable for medical and repatriation costs if the worst happens.

Joanne Field, marketing manager at American Express Travel Insurance, said: "Patchy conditions have been a problem in Europe this season and could tempt holidaymakers to flout rules.

"Last year there were twice as many accidents in the French Alps than the year before, so we would encourage everyone to ski or board wisely and obtain appropriate travel insurance cover before they depart."

More than 50,000 skiers and snowboarders are rescued from the French Alps each year, the insurer said, with the price of airlifting directly from the slopes costing as much as £2,000.

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