Adventurous holidaymakers must check the small print

It appears that sun, sea and sand just isn't enough for the average Brit abroad any more according to new research from esure Travel Insurance, as a quarter (25 per cent) of holidaymakers choose their destination or resort based on the availabilty of adventurous sports and activities such as scuba diving, white water rafting and bungee jumping.

With 88 per cent of British holidaymakers having previously taken part in these types of adventurous activities whilst on holiday, of which over 2.8 million (8 per cent) incurred an injury in the process, it's more important than ever to buy travel insurance and read the small print as not all travel insurance policies are the same and exclusions apply. One in ten (10 per cent) Brits wrongly believe that all travel insurance policies cover adventurous activities as standard and could leave themselves liable to a hefty bill in the event of an accident.

Alarmingly just two thirds (63 per cent) of Brits abroad would take the time to check their travel insurance documents before taking part in a hazardous sport or activity and worryingly 15 per cent admitted that they would go ahead and make a booking even if they knew the activity wasn't covered under their travel insurance.

The most popular activities that British holidaymakers plan to, or have already taken part in, this year are:

Off-road mountain biking: 13 per cent
Scuba diving: 11 per cent
Jet skiing: 10 per cent
Sailing: 10 per cent
Canoeing: 8 per cent
Water-skiing: 7 per cent
White water rafting: 5 per cent

One in ten Brits admitted to trying out these types of activities solely due to pressure from their children (9 per cent) and friends or family (8 per cent), whilst a fifth (22 per cent) just wanted a good story to tell back home. Seven per cent of holidaymakers even confessed to wanting to impress others and get one upmanship on friends and colleagues by trying out a new extreme-style sport or activity.

Mike Pickard, Head of Travel Insurance at esure, said: "Brits want more from their holidays nowadays and appear to be swapping the sun lounger for the bungee cord. It's not where they've been on holiday but what they've done that seems to be important.

"With a surge in the popularity of, and access to, more adventurous sports and activities at holiday resorts across the globe, it's crucial for holidaymakers to take out travel insurance and check they're covered before they try out the likes of white water rafting in Australia or shark-feeding in the Bahamas. Get injured and the medical bills could turn a paradise trip into a nightmare."

esure has some top tips for Brits looking to take part in activities and sports whilst on holiday:

Don't forget to buy travel insurance: For peace of mind and to avoid paying a hefty bill if you are injured, buy good quality travel insurance.

Read the small print carefully: Check out your travel insurance policy's 'hazardous sports' section before you take part in a more adventurous activity.

Never assume that you'll be covered.

Contact your insurer with any questions: If you can't find an activity in your policy document or you have any questions about restrictions or exclusions, contact your insurer immediatley. Some insurers may charge an additional premium to cover certain sports so it's worth making a call.

Take your policy documents away with you: In case you have any questions whilst on holiday or need to make a claim, take phone numbers and documentation with you.

Make note of any restrictions or provisos: Some insurers will stipulate that you are only covered if the activity is professionally organised and supervised, if suitable safety equipment is worn, and if the appropriate safety measures are taken. So if you're looking to jet-ski, hire it from a water sports centre rather than just 'a man on the beach'.

Check whether your activity has certain conditions: If you plan to scuba dive, some insurers may only offer cover down to a certain depth. Hikers may need to stay below a certain altitude. Motorcyclists might need to have held a clean licence for a specified number of years. If in doubt, check the policy detail.