A new survey has revealed that holiday goers are placing a greater importance on the travel insurance that they purchase before going away.

According to a study conducted by Global Reviews, one in four people now make sure that they have travel insurance before they book their holiday.

Of those questioned, half used websites to search for a policy online, while others used online comparison sites. Seven in ten customers are therefore changing the way they book travel during the financial crisis.

Bertie Stevenson, a director of an insurance company commented that finding the best value for money is no longer traveller’s primary worry with an insurance policy.

Stevenson said: “When booking a holiday, customers are now just as concerned about the stability of the company as they are in the price.”

The study also showed that only 4% of those questioned said that they have not adapted the way they shop for travel insurance following the credit crunch.

New travel insurance for medical problems

For those who struggle to purchase travel insurance because of an illness, a new solution has emerged that could change lives forever.

MedicAlert and an insurance broker have joined together to offer a range of specialist insurance products for people living with medical conditions, allergies and disabilities.

MedicAlert is a registered charity where members wear a necklace or bracelet containing important information such as medical knowledge and contact numbers.

People with pre-existing medical conditions often find it difficult to get personal insurance policies such as travel insurance.

However, the new range of insurance means that people with medical conditions will be able to buy life, home, car and travel insurance and pension annuities from a specialist provider.

The insurance cover will be comprehensive and be offered at a competitive price. At no additional cost to the buyer, a donation will be made to the charity.

There is more good news, as this idea is obviously catching on. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices has also partnered with the insurance broker Heath Lambert to provide the new insurance scheme.

The organisation’s fundraiser, Carl Brooks, says EACH is delighted to have partnered with the Heath Lambert team because obtaining insurance cover when a life threatening condition is involved can be very time consuming and difficult. He added that a comprehensive package of cover can now be secured by making just one phone call.