Travel chaos - insurance advice at Christmas

BIBA has issued clarification and advice to travellers affected by travel related strikes or financial failure over the Christmas period.

Not all insurance policies are the same and travellers are urged to contact their insurance provider to clarify their specific policy coverage, if they have booked independently of a travel agent or tour operator. BIBA has confirmed that BIBA protect policies, underwritten by Tokio Marine and purchased from a BIBA broker, will cover travellers providing the trip and insurance were purchased before the strike ballot was announced or, in the event of financial collapse before the financial failure was in the public domain.

Steve Foulsham, Technical Services Manager, said: "In many circumstances your travel agent or tour operator will simply make alternative arrangements but if you have booked independently you should speak to your insurance broker who can advise you during these difficult times."

Graeme Trudgill, BIBA Technical and Corporate Affairs Executive, added: "There is a lot of potential misery for many families travelling over the festive period, however, cover is available through insurance brokers to protect against future unforeseen strikes or financial failures. This really highlights the importance for travellers to focus on the cover within their policy and not just the price, especially independent travellers who are not assisted by package holiday protections."

BIBA has clarified that travel insurance is normally transferable to any new travel plans and that travellers should speak to their insurance broker.