Independent travellers to be protected by BIBA cover

BIBA ammends flagship policy to help independent travellers be more protected

Travel Insurance News - 23/10/2009

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BIBA (British Insurance Brokers' Association) announced this week that it was making significant amendments to its travel insurance policy, to afford independent travellers more protection and security than they currently enjoy.

BIBA's amendments mean that those travellers who opt to make their own bookings and prefer travelling independent of tour companies and operators will now be safeguarded against risks like travel companies or airlines going bust.

The BIBA policies will now extend they're umbrella of protection to all independent travellers, which means that they will be financially protected against sudden liquidations as well as being able to secure flights home if their companies go bust while they are already on their travels.

Until now, independent travellers had not enjoyed any such assurances. ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licencing) agreements limited cover to travellers who made their arrangements with ATOL recognised tour operators. Travellers making their own arrangements had no protection against airlines or other travel companies shutting down -- even if they were yet to travel, having already paid for the services.

A growing number of UK travellers are now choosing to plan and book their own itineraries. With the great discounts and deals available online, a great many of UK travellers take their trips independently.

BIBA's new policy will be welcome news for this kind of traveller, and the association has announced that the extra cover will be applicable to all BIBA travel insurance policies purchased after October 5 this year.

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