Holidaying Brits spend over £4.5bn on booze overseas

Boozy Brits drinking £4.5 billion worth of alcohol while on overseas holidays could be in for a nasty shock if they need medical attention.

Price comparison site moneysupermarket.com has found that not one travel insurer will honour your claim if it is found your injury was as a result of being under the influence of alcohol.

It seems UK men are in danger of making fewer successful claims than women, as they spend over £100 on alcohol on overseas jaunts, compared to women at under £70 each.

Those from South West England take to the drink less while overseas, spending £55 each on booze, while it appears that the Northern Irish flash the cash far more, spending over triple on the tipple.

Whether you indulge in some après-ski on the slopes or you’re on a booze-fuelled stag or hen weekend away, you won't be covered if you injure yourself and need medical attention.

Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com, said: “In most cases, there is no way the insurer will know if your claim is as a result of you having too much to drink. However, if your insurer does find out, for example if it is included in a medical report when an injury is treated, they could void your claim.

“It is a little known fact that travel insurance policies have a clause stating if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an incident, your policy may be rendered invalid. Enjoying a drink on holiday is not a crime, but it is extremely important that people try to be sensible about alcohol consumption.

"Insurers are very strict about underwriting alcohol in their policy exclusions.”

moneysupermarket.com recommends at least the following level of cover on travel insurance:

Medical expenses: £2 million
Personal liability: £1 million
Cancellation: £3,000
Baggage: £1,500
Cash: £250