North Ayrshire MP Patricia Gibson, the SNP’s Consumer Affairs Spokesperson has raised concerns at Parliament this month over the lack of travel insurance policies that cover holidaymakers if official travel advice to their chosen destination changes. As reported in the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, Ms Gibson is concerned if a change in government advice happens between booking a trip and travelling, many people may be left considerably out of pocket.
Ms Gibson has said it is essential for holidaymakers to ensure they obtain travel insurance that commits to cover claims in such situations. Furthermore, she has called for insurance companies to be more transparent about their COVID-cover, clearly outlining to their customers exactly what is and isn’t covered.
At Travel Insurance Explained (TIE) we have long been trying to help the consumer understand the ‘COVID Cover’, they should look out for and explaining why certain cover, such as cover for ‘changes in Government advice due to Coronavirus’, isn’t available on travel insurance policies, and where that financial protection is already available.
The answer to the question – Does any provider offer cover if I need to cancel my trip due to a change in government advice? Can be found here
Ms Gibson has been invited to meet UK Minister for Aviation, Robert Courts MP, after her challenge to Transport Secretary Grand Shapps MP about the level of cover offered by travel insurance following the easing of restrictions.
TIE is in full support of Ms Gibson’s call for travel insurance providers to be clearer in the ‘COVID travel insurance’ cover they provide. It is very complicated for the consumer to work out the cover available to them, particularly when the risks COVID poses to the consumer when arranging a holiday, is changing on a regular basis.
If you do have any questions about travel insurance cover and travelling during the pandemic, please drop us an email at hello@travelinsuranceexplained.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.
