The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) travel medical directory has recorded over 400,000 inquiries since being recognised as a signposting solution for people with serious medical conditions five years ago. The directory helps individuals who might otherwise struggle to find suitable travel insurance by connecting them with specialist providers.
As summer holiday bookings are finalised, many people with significant medical issues are searching for coverage to enable their trips. Biba reported that demand for the directory continues to grow, with inquiries in the past year nearly four times higher than in its inaugural year.
Key Figures and Recognition
Graeme Trudgill, chief executive of Biba, stated: “Reaching more than 400,000 inquiries in just five years demonstrates the real difference the travel medical directory is making to consumers who may otherwise struggle to find suitable cover. Travel insurance plays a vital role in providing peace of mind when people travel, particularly for those with serious medical conditions. We are proud that the directory, and our specialist insurance brokers, continue to support consumers and help them access the cover they need.”
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recognised the directory as an appropriate signposting service under a rule that took effect in 2021. This rule requires insurance firms that offer a travel insurance policy with a £200 or more additional premium due to a medical condition, or decline cover, or offer a policy with an exclusion that cannot be removed, or cancel a policy because of a medical condition, to direct consumers to a specialist directory.
FCA Endorsement and Industry Commitment
Graeme Reynolds, director of competition and interim director of insurance at the FCA, said: “Finding travel insurance can be difficult for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Our rules help connect consumers with specialist providers by using a specialist directory to search for suitable cover. The success of Biba’s travel medical directory over the last five years shows how important this support can be in helping people find the insurance they need.”
In January, Biba and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) launched a new voluntary total signposting commitment to help insurance customers find suitable insurance more easily. Supporting the Government’s financial inclusion strategy, the initiative aims to ensure that consumers who cannot obtain cover from one provider are directed to a specialist provider or to Biba’s “find insurance” service.
