ITAA STATEMENT ON TRAVEL INSURANCE
Clare Dunne, CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), said, “When planning a trip abroad travel insurance should not be treated as an optional extra — it is an essential part of any holiday booking, and one that ITAA member travel agents strongly encourage at the point of sale. When customers book through a travel agent, they benefit from expert guidance on selecting appropriate cover and, crucially, from ongoing support if something goes wrong while abroad.”
“If you are delayed, stranded, or need to reroute your journey, your travel agent will work directly with airlines, suppliers and insurers to assist in making alternative arrangements. However, it is important to understand that without adequate travel insurance, the financial responsibility for medical emergencies, cancellations or unexpected changes can fall entirely on the traveller.”
“Recent research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission shows that despite this, almost one in three Irish holidaymakers still travel without insurance, rising to nearly half of those under 35 . In addition, many travellers either purchase insurance too late or misunderstand their level of cover, which can leave them exposed if disruption occurs before departure or during their trip. You cannot purchase insurance after the fact, after an event has occurred that is disrupting your holiday. Also it is worth noting that Acts of War are not included.”
“Beyond travelling without insurance, underinsurance remains a significant issue. Many travellers are unaware that pre-existing medical conditions must be declared to ensure they are covered. Similarly, common claims relating to mobile phones, gadgets, or activity-based holidays — such as water sports — may not be included unless specifically added to a policy.
“While policy terms vary, travellers who arrange insurance through a licensed travel agent are typically better informed and less likely to be underinsured. Your travel agent can also advise on practical considerations, such as policy excess — which in many cases can be reduced or removed for a relatively small additional cost, potentially saving significant expense in the event of a claim.”
“If an incident occurs while travelling, it is vital to contact your insurer as soon as possible so they can provide guidance and assistance. In cases of loss or theft, a local police report must be filed and a copy obtained, as this is usually required to support any claim.”
“Booking with a licensed travel agent ensures not only consumer protection under the Package Travel Directive, but also access to expert advice and support when it matters most. Our message is simple — if you can afford to travel, you cannot afford to travel without proper insurance, and your travel agent is there to help you get that right from the outset.”