Holidaymakers have been warned by Martin Lewis as people plan to go abroad this summer. The finance specialist issued important travel insurance advice on Tuesday’s (April 25) episode of This Morning.
A viewer, Rita, had emailed the show to say that her travel insurance hasn’t paid the money she is owed, despite following “all proper procedures”. Rita was forced to cancel her holiday following the death of her son, who died shortly after booking her holiday, Liverpool Echo reports.
After offering his condolences, Mr Lewis said: "If you're not getting that refund, you need to understand why." He explained that many people “don’t realise” that travel insurance is fully regulated by the FCA.
He added: “That means you have a right to take the travel firm to the financial ombudsman." He told viewers that the process is free, and all that’s required is to fill out an online form. He said: "You don't need to write fancy language, you don't need a lawyer."
Mr Lewis added: "It's a horrible situation to be in. You've done absolutely everything right and one would hope the travel insurance company would treat you with a bit more care."
The finance guru went on to issue an urgent warning to people booking their summer holidays. He advised that travel insurance should be purchased as early as possible.
Speaking on This Morning, he said: "So many people have booked their summer holidays but haven't got travel insurance. My rule on travel insurance is to get it ASAB, as soon as you book, in case heaven forbid, something happens to stop you going away before hand."
Mr Lewis added that he gets many calls and messages saying people cannot go on their holiday due to chemotherapy treatment and other issues, but did not have their travel insurance booked.
Speaking to Rita, he encouraged her to make a formal complaint, before warning others: "Everyone else, if you have a holiday booked, get your travel insurance."
Support for Rita came pouring in online as one person took to Twitter to write: "That Insurance company is a disgrace. They need better policies for dealing with bereaved people! Please name them!"
Another said: "As if the poor woman hasn't enough to deal with."
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