As an insurance broker with a substantial travel insurance account, I feel I have to reply to Trevor Larkin's interview (Features, 9 February).
While I naturally sympathise with Mr Lakin over the death of his son, I must question his complaint that insurance cover was not available to customers injured in the Bali and Turkey attacks.
Some travel insurance policies available through brokers do provide cover for medical treatment arising out of terrorist attacks.
The new Biba contract, for instance, states that (under exclusions) "terrorist action..... does not apply to medical and other expenses, personal accident, personal baggage..."
The Biba contract premium for two weeks in Turkey? £22.91.
When assessing demands and needs, we specifically ask whether the customer requires cover for medical expenses following terrorist activity, and only if the customer does not want the cover do we recommend a policy that may not have such cover.
The problem is not that insurance companies are not able to provide the cover but that the cover has been sacrificed by many (especially internet-based companies) in order to offer reduced premiums (and benefits) to customers.
However, until the general public realises that better cover is provided by seeking advice from an independent insurance adviser, they will continue to buy non-advised products that do not actually meet their requirements. And, to be honest, they have no recourse for complaint if they fail to understand the limitations and exclusions in cover. Only a fool or an expert buys insurance online.
John Portwood
B Portwood & Co
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