Martin Lewis, the famed and much-loved finance expert, has advised those intending to go on holiday this summer to be wary during an episode of This Morning yesterday (April 25).
A viewer named Rita had written in, seeking his counsel regarding an issue she had faced with her travel insurance provider, who had not paid her the money owed.
Viewers heard how Rita had planned a trip to Tenerife, which she had to cancel after her son's death. Despite following all necessary protocols, she had not received her refund.
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The Liverpool Echo reported that Mr Lewis offered his condolences to Rita and said, "If you're not receiving your refund, you must understand why." He went on to say that many people are unaware that travel insurance is wholly regulated by the FCA, which implies that one has the right to take the travel firm to the financial ombudsman.
He added that all you need to do is fill in a form online: "You don't need to write fancy language, you don't need a lawyer.
"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."
He also urged that for those booking their holidays and wanting to get travel insurance, it needs to be booked sooner rather than later.
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."
Martin 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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