Jul/094
Travel insurance claims for Swineflu
For weeks no UK consumers excited about their summer holidays have been dampened by the news that their travel insurance might not cover Swine Flu. Of course, thois is a huge worry for the consumer especially as we see swine flu cases increase by 100% week on week. Travellers trying to make a claim on a travel insurance policy for swine flu will no longer need written documentation from a GP.
However, travel agencies and organisations are strongly urging the public to keep hold of their Tamiflu medication labels as proof that they have overcome the illness. Insurers will need to validate each individual claim concerning swine flu.
Individual airlines have different procedures for dealing with passengers too unwell to fly and most employ medical teams to make assessments. This is a completely different can of worms and one which Consumer Help will leave to the discretion of the airlines.
Those being quarantined whilst on holiday will need written proof of their illness to be able to claim compensation from their travel insurers.
Jul/090
House of Commons transport committee: Higher ticket fares on the way
The House of Commons transport committee has criticised privately owned rail franchises for increasing ticket prices, up to 11% in the recession. The consensus amongst the committee was that the current relationship between rail companies and commuters is unfair, with passengers being treated unfairly. The franchising system means companies bid to run trains on a particular route and those that bid the highest premium payments win the contracts. The rise in ticket costs on regulated rail fares including all season tickets rose on average 6% which is contrary to negative inflation and disproportionate to the real economy.
Lord Ardonis, Transport Secretary reiterated that the report backed a policy by the government to limit fares to no more than 1% above inflation. The consequence being lower fare rates by January 2010. In reply to the criticism the Association of Train Operating Companies stated that the existing system offers a punctual service and that passengers are satisfied.
Jun/090
UK Consumers Taking Advantage of Cheap Coach Travel
The credit crunch has thrown a spanner in the works for families’ holiday travel plans this year. Not only do they have on average less money than this time last year but the weak Pound against the Euro means there are now plenty of reasons to stay in the UK this year, especially as we are promised a hot summer.
One UK holiday-maker said “the sooner you can book your coach tickets, the cheaper the fare. Travelling outside peak times should also cut costs. Shop around on accommodation prices, think about house swaps with friends and family and try to haggle with hoteliers, for example, to drive down the cost.”
The National Trust are estimating that the UK will witness a sharp 30-40% rise in UK tourism in 2009 with consumers taking advantage of many popular tourist hotspots, attractions and stately homes.
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