Holidaymakers deliberately shun insurance

Whether hopping over the channel or flying around the world, holiday makers should ensure they are adequately covered. Yet, alarmingly, the 'it-won't-happen-to-me' mentality prevails for one in seven (14 per cent) British holidaymakers who admit to never taking out travel insurance, according to new research.

The survey, by price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, reveals that only half (53 per cent) of Brits take out cover every time they go away and some jetsetters tend to pick and choose when they take out insurance. A quarter (25 per cent) admitted they only cover themselves for trips outside the UK, and nearly one in 10 (eight per cent) only purchase insurance for long haul trips.

Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com, said: "The excitement of getting away and spending time in the sun, seems to push travel insurance to the back of holidaymakers' mind's. Taking this risk is not such a good idea considering four-fifths (81 per cent) of Brits fall ill whilst on holiday. Travel insurance is vital for claiming on cancellations, lost cash, public liability and providing emergency medical treatment, and gives you added peace of mind should anything go wrong.

"Some people may also consider travel insurance as an unwanted extra expense; but with annual world-wide cover for a family of four costing as little as £40 there really is no excuse to travel without adequate cover."

The research further reveals that men are the worst culprits, with 17 per cent not taking out insurance compared to 12 per cent of women. Those in Wales are the most penny-pinching with five per cent only purchasing insurance for trips outside Europe compared to 11 per cent in London and nine per cent in the Midlands.

Peter Gerrard continued: "Perhaps unsurprisingly, more men than women are willing to take the risk and travel without insurance. The research also found that travellers are less likely to take adequate cover if they are going on a short-haul trip. However, even if you are not taking valuables with you on a brief jaunt to Europe, travel cover provides much needed medical cover if you fall ill. Whatever the destination I urge holidaymakers to insure themselves against unfortunate events that could turn their vacation in to a holiday nightmare."