ABTA/ATOL v good travel insurance

KITTYKOMP

Hi all, would welcome some advice,

We’re looking at going to japan in November and have found that getting a package would add £400.

My question is would a good cover on travel insurance be just as good as ATOL/ABTA protection?

Thanks

bradders1983

You cannot be serious asking this, surely.

Do you really think ATOL/ABTA will cover medical bills, lost luggage etc...?

Bloody hell.

waamo

bradders1983 wrote: »

You cannot be serious asking this, surely.

Do you really think ATOL/ABTA will cover medical bills, lost luggage etc...?

Bloody hell.

I think they are asking it from the other way round as it were. I'm reading it that the op is asking if travel insurance is a substitute for booking an ATOL/ABTA covered package.

I must admit it's not clear though.

KITTYKOMP

Sorry no I meant 100% getting travel insurance but questioning ATBA/ATOL protection when it will add £400+ to the overall cost.

KITTYKOMP

bradders1983 wrote: »

You cannot be serious asking this, surely.

Do you really think ATOL/ABTA will cover medical bills, lost luggage etc...?

Bloody hell.

Thanks for your kind words!

bradders1983

Maybe had you explained it properly in the first place, I wouldnt have thought the question was incredulous.

Who are the two companies in question?

KITTYKOMP

bradders1983 wrote: »

Maybe had you explained it properly in the first place, I wouldnt have thought the question was incredulous.

Who are the two companies in question?

It’s a local travel agent v booking flights (air China) and hotel separately.

waamo

I can't see Air China going bust. Personally I would save £400.

bagand96

ATOL is a financial protection scheme that protects your money when booking a packaged holiday. If the travel agent/tour operator/airline goes bust before you travel then you will get your money back. If they go bust whilst your abroad then they will get you home.

A good travel insurance policy may well include cover for airline and supplier failure. Also, if you pay for your flights on a credit card, then section 75 protection means your card supplier would have to refund you for supplier failure.

ABTA is a trade body, who's main function is a code of conduct that members sign up to which should ensure service standards etc. This includes a range of things such as mis-selling, changes etc. They will also look into complaints on your behalf, and offer arbitration. It's up to you whether you think that is worth £400 or not. But if you've done your research on your hotels then it might not be necessary.