FSA To Regulate All Sales Of Travel Insurance From 2009
On January 1, 2009, major changes will take effect to alter the way travel insurance is sold. The changes will apply to companies selling it as part of a holiday package, such as travel agents, tour operators, coach companies and airlines. It will also affect outlets such as retail shops, chemists, supermarkets and the Post Office. Many of these companies are already in compliance with government regulations to sell other products. However, a double standard has existed regarding the way they have sold insurance because 'stand-alone' companies (which only sell travel insurance) have been required to comply with FSA regulations since 2005.
The UK's financial watchdog, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), will take over regulation of the sale of travel insurance in the United Kingdom as of January 2009. From January 1, it will only be available for purchase through FSA-regulated agents. Small travel agencies and tour operators may not be able to justify the expense or time involved in the complicated process of complying with FSA regulations. These companies may have no alternative but to refer their clients to FSA-regulated brokers and agents.
The news has not been welcomed by many package holiday operators, some of whom believe their agents are suitably trained and qualified to sell the insurance. However, evidence suggests that not all companies have done such a good job. The government has been under pressure to enact this new law because of past insurance-related problems. Many consumers were exposed to potential harm while travelling because they were not properly advised of the limitations of the policies they were purchasing.
One of the most significant areas of concern has been regarding exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. If a policy is sold without the disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions the result could be the denial of all related claims in the event of a problem. Another area that has caused concern has been failure to inform customers that they may need to obtain additional cover for hazardous sports activities. Some policies only cover activities organised and arranged by the tour operator or representative. When insurance is sold as part of a holiday package, customers may, understandably, focus on the excitement and anticipation of the holiday and not pay due attention to the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. Unfortunately, many do not find out until it is too late.
FSA regulation will translate to a much more efficient service for customers. The seller will be bound by strict FSA principles and guidelines which require that customers must be treated fairly and have access to a structured complaints handling process. They will also have the benefit of the services of the Financial Ombudsman should any disputes arise which cannot be settled directly with the company.
Those travelling to European Union member countries are advised to obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before departure. However, the EHIC is not a substitute for taking out a separate comprehensive travel insurance policy. The EHIC is of use in medical emergencies and accidents where free or low cost treatment may be available in participating countries. However, it does not provide cover for the myriad of problems that can arise during travel, such as lost luggage, theft of valuables, cancellation and curtailment of the trip, and emergency repatriation. Many people are not aware that neither a private policy nor the EHIC will provide cover for those who travel abroad with the specific intention of obtaining medical treatment.
Once FSA regulation is in place to oversee the way insurance is sold, customers are sure to be better informed before they set off. Currently, it is believed that approximately ten to fifteen percent of travellers depart on trips without taking out insurance. This translates into millions of uninsured and vulnerable people visiting foreign countries each year. It is hoped that consumer confidence in the insurance industry and general awareness of the importance of travel insurance will receive a boost once it has been stamped by the impressive footprint of the FSA.
Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for TIA Ltd who offer travel insurance at great prices online.
|
|
 |
 |
Google Adsense-"Explode Your Google Adsense and Affiliate Commissions through Niche Blog Content Sites
The overwhelming majority of the population has no clue what Google Adsense is and doesn't understand that Google and the site owner make money when they click on an ad. Now, lets say that from all of the people visiting your site from the link embedded in your articles resourced boxes, only one person a day actually clicks on an Adsense ad. When you start using Word press to build your Adsense websites, youll soon discover what I mean.
5 methods to increase your Google Adsense affiliate marketing earnings
If webmasters want to monetize their websites, the great way to do it is through Adsense. There are lots of webmasters struggling hard to earn some good money a day through their sites. But then some of the ?geniuses? of them are enjoying hundreds of dollars a day from Adsense ads on their websites. What makes these webmasters different from the other kind is that they are different and they think out of the box.
Why Google Adsense is essential for affiliate marketers with content sites
To know why Adsense is essential for your content sites is to know first how this works.
Marketing Online With Yahoo Search Marketing
Yahoo utilizes its large network of websites and portals to provide Yahoo
5 Steps To Optimizing Your Website For Google And Yahoo
The mere thought of SEO is enough to send most webmasters into a flutter. A good ranking in the search engines is a sure-fire way to make money from a website, yet it is not an easy task. But while the exact ranking algorithm used by top search engines is one of the world?s best kept secrets there are some basic principals you should always keep in mind:
Murad Taps WebMetro to Leverage Google's Content Network Resulting in Sales Boost
Google's newly released AdWords success story features how Internet marketing agency WebMetro (http://www.webmetro.com/) optimized Murad's cellulite line by increasing sales while lowering cost per acquisition.
Driving your website through Google Sandbox & eMergent Marketing- Website Conversion, Usability & SEO
What is Google Sandbox?
Google Adsense Profits Mixed In With Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing has become one of the most effective ways to advertise online. It is also one of the easiest ways for anyone with a website to make a profit online. Affiliate Marketing is an agreement between a merchant and a website owner. The website owner, or the affiliate, allows the use of their site for the promotion of the merchant's products by linking to the merchant's website. In exchange, the merchant pays a commission to the affiliate on all sales generated by the affiliate. Every time someone clicks on the link on the affiliate website and proceeds to make a purchase, the affiliate gets a commission. The merchant will pay the affiliate only when a customer clicks on the product link and makes a purchase.
Google, Yahoo!, Apple and Microsoft Most Talked about Brands Online
Technology companies dominate in new research into online social media.
Combining Google Adsense with affiliate programs to mazimize affiliate marketing revenue
Are you a webmaster who needs funds to keep your website running? Or is your website the only way for you to earn income? Whichever you are, for as long as you are a webmaster or a web publisher and you need cash, affiliate marketing may work well for you. With affiliate marketing, you may get a lot of cash pouring into your bank account easily. And if your website is rich in great contents and you want to earn more profit, why not get into the Google Adsense program as well?
Where Google Adsense should appear on your affiliate marketing websites
When deciding whether to incorporate Adsense into your website there are several factors to consider. Many feel that it diminishes their brand, whilst others see it as a useful tool for visitors which creates revenues and makes their content profitable.
Google Nemesis Will Change Affiliate Marketing Forever
It's a phrase that sends shivers down the spines of gurus everywhere.
Using Google Adwords to generate traffic to your affiliate marketing programs
Highly targeted traffic is one of the most important entities in the internet universe. Any website owner or administrator recognizes the importance of driving traffic to a website. The success of any website does not rely entirely on the site itself. You may have a terrific idea for a website, offer an excellent product or service, or have an exceptionally designed site with superb content, but if you do not use the right strategies to advertise, your site would not attract the high traffic you need. Attracting targeted traffic is a task that should be taken seriously for any site to succeed or make a profit. Fortunately, there are internet-marketing tools that help the website marketer to drive traffic to his website. One of the most sign...
Google Adsense - Adsense affiliate marketing!
When you start using Word press to build your Adsense websites, youll soon discover what I mean. Stop trying to convince them that you didnt use MFA (Made for Adsense) sites. Google supplies excellent resources on The Dos and The Don'ts of Adsense as well as very comprehensive tutorials on how to set up and use Adsense.
Internet Affiliate Marketing - How to Increase Your Website Online Profits by 50%
You have no doubt heard all the hype about how easy it is to make a fortune online Maybe you've invested a few dollars,and brought your first website spent a few more dollars on advertising, and you are now waiting for all of that lovely cash to start rolling in to your bank account, but something not quite right because it hasn't happened yet and you want to know why
|
 |
|
