ABTA has issued a warning that more people will travel uninsured in 2009 because of new government regulations which came into force on January 1.
Under the new rules, sales of travel insurance sold through travel agents and tour operators are now regulated by the Financial Services Authority. ABTA is concerned that the cost and complexity of the new regulations will mean fewer companies will offer travel insurance.
The trade association has raised concerns about the changes before, but is highlighting the issue again following the introduction of the new regulations.
ABTA believes this will lead to more holidaymakers travelling unprotected, meaning they will not be covered for incidents such as cancellations of holidays, accidents and lost baggage.
ABTA head of financial services Mike Monk said: “Make sure you get adequate and appropriate travel insurance for where you are going and for what you will be doing. Ask your travel company about insurance, and if they can’t offer it, make sure you obtain it elsewhere as soon after you book your holiday as possible.”