Holidaymakers take a gamble with travel insurance

Some holidaymakers will be gambling with their finances this summer by failing to take out travel insurance when they jet off to foreign shores. A survey* revealed up to ten per cent of people will head off on holiday without insurance. Those who do take out cover are bewildered by the array of products on the market.

Leading consumer website reviewcentre.com has received an influx of reviews from people about travel insurance providers. The public is split on its opinion, with some favouring price over brand credibility and others preferring online providers for a faster turnaround.

Commentary on the site's travel insurance review page reveals it's a subject people feel strongly about. Feedback suggests consumers are urged to read the small print of their policies to avoid losing out should they have cause to make a claim.

Customer outrage over loopholes and hidden clauses is high on the list of grievances, alongside poor customer service and high premiums. However, the comment is balanced with glowing reports from happy holidaymakers who speak of a positive experience and a loyal relationship with their provider.

Commenting on the issue, managing director of reviewcentre.com Paul Nadin said: "Some people don't consider taking out travel insurance as mandatory and then suffer the consequences when they have a bad experience abroad.

"Our site reveals customers have a strong opinion about insurance providers and have exposed issues that raise concern about their customer experience. There is some work to be done by travel insurance companies to reassure consumers they are taking on board their feedback and meeting their needs."

Visit reviewcentre.com for more details.

*Statistics are taken from a survey carried out by J Sainsbury