This is NOT the case. People are completely free to purchase their own insurance from a supplier of their own choice. It is the Agent's/Tour Operator's responsibility, however, to advise their clients that they should purchase Travel Insurance.

Choosing Where to Buy

Whoever offers Travel Insurance, whether it's a Travel Agent, Tour Operator, Bank, Post Office, Building Society, Broker, Intermediary or even a Supermarket or Chemist, they should know about their products and are obliged to answer any reasonable questions, relating to these products, that they may be asked.

Customers should ask the person selling them the insurance as many questions as they need, in order to fully satisfy themselves that the insurance being offered, completely meets their needs. This is particularly important for people with a pre-existing medical condition.

All outlets for Travel Insurance in the United Kingdom, are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

Why Do I Need Insurance?

An overseas medical bill could run into many thousand pounds and much more in the United States of America and Canada. Many people believe they are fully covered if they have an accident or fall ill whilst abroad, by reciprocal health arrangements that the UK has with other countries.

The UK does indeed, have reciprocal health arrangements with certain other countries, but not all. Full details of these are contained in a booklet entitled "Travellers' Guide To Health" available free of charge from the Post Office and the Department Of Health Offices.

Even in the countries where there are such arrangements in place, treatment is usually only available from State hospitals and the quality of the treatment varies greatly. The only way to ensure the best possible treatment is to have good Travel Insurance cover.

In An Emergency

If you purchase Travel Insurance and are unfortunate enough to have an accident or become ill whilst abroad and require hospital treatment, ensure that you, or someone else acting on your behalf, informs the assistant company, the details and 24 hour contact number, will be in your policy/certificate wording.

They will usually guarantee any medical bills and ensure that you receive the best possible treatment, as well as looking after any dependant relatives that may be travelling with you.

Baggage

Although baggage is covered by insurance, it is not much compensation, having had it stolen, to be on holiday with no clothes, toiletries etc. ALWAYS carry your medication in your hand baggage. Put wallets, purses, passport and other valuables in a secure place to avoid becoming the victim of pickpockets. Always try to look after your property as though it were not insured. Do NOT take chances.

Wings On Wheels are delighted to assist, where possible with Travel Insurance. Please phone us to discuss your requirements.