MEDIA RELEASE
Holiday Chaos Prompts Travel Insurance Warning
The weekend’s holiday travel disruption across the Northern Hemisphere serves as a warning not
to leave travel insurance until the last minute, according to Australia’s number one online
travel
insurer.
cannot protect themselves against airline strikes and other unforeseen disruption if they do not
secure insurance at the time they pay for their travel.
“Unfortunately many people don’t consider travel insurance until the last minute,” Travel Insurance
Direct General Manager Ian Jackson said. “The events of the past few days have been an
important reminder that travellers should arrange insurance as early as possible, otherwise they’re
not protected against anything unexpected.”
After last week’s threat of industrial action by British Airways cabin crew, travellers in North
America and Europe have faced massive disruption over the weekend as blizzards and sub-zero
temperatures trigger airport closures and rail breakdowns.
Approximately 100,000 passengers have been affected by disruption to Eurostar services through
the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France, while hundreds of thousands more have had
travel plans halted by blizzards on the east coast of North America. Other travellers have been
affected by disruptions including last week’s collapse of Scottish airline Globespan.
“Up to 10 per cent of people don’t arrange travel insurance until the day they travel, which is simply
too late to protect yourself from things like strikes and unforeseen events,” Mr Jackson said.
“Travel insurance is not just for the time you’re away, it can also protect you before you depart.”
Mr Jackson said there were several steps travellers should take if affected by travel disruptions:
First seek the assistance of the airline or travel provider for alternative arrangements and
accommodation
Where the airline can’t assist, obtain a letter confirming flight cancellation or delay so that
an insurance claim can be made
Keep receipts for any costs involved in making alternative arrangements
Do everything possible to minimise the cost of alternative arrangements
Refer to policy details and contact the insurer for advice if in doubt.
Travel Insurance Direct is Australia’s number one online travel insurer and offers comprehensive
travel insurance at highly competitive prices, particularly when compared with large travel agents.
Media information:
Libby Moffet/Jon Murrie
MG Media Communications
02 9904 0011
December 21, 2009
0400 878 493
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