ABTA – The Travel Association, is reminding customers of the importance of taking out travel insurance at the time of booking as we enter January, the busiest month for arranging holidays. It is important that customers take out insurance immediately to provide cover for potential cancellation fees prior to travel as well as being covered when on holiday.  

From 1 January 2009 the Financial Services Authority regulates the sale of travel insurance by travel agents and tour operators, providing an extra level of peace of mind for customers. Many ABTA Members have registered with the FSA to continue to sell insurance and many other ABTA Members that have chosen not to register, have made arrangements with insurance companies to ensure their customers still have access to this essential service.

Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive said: “ ABTA Members have been providing insurance to customers for many years and with the introduction of FSA regulation they will still be able to offer this service to customers. We would recommend strongly that customers take out insurance at the time of booking to provide essential cover and peace of mind”.