Friday 4th August 2006
A large proportion of holidaymakers failed to take out travel insurance before heading abroad last year, according to a new report.
A study from Swiftcover has found that 2.5 million Britons jetted off on their holidays uninsured in 2005, leaving themselves open to hefty fees when the worst occurred.
The most common reason among Brits for failing to take out insurance was a belief that they were covered elsewhere, with 21 per cent confident that their current account, credit card or home insurance policies covered them abroad.
However, insurance offered by banks and credit card firms is usually very limited, while home insurance travel add-ons often do not cover personal possessions, medical expenses or trip cancellations.
"British holidaymakers should think twice before travelling without adequate insurance," commented Robin Reames, claims director at Swiftcover.
"The facts speak for themselves and shouldnt be ignored."
The survey also uncovered the mistaken belief that the European Health Information Card (EHIC) offers sufficient cover.
Other leading reasons for a failure to be adequately insured were travellers confidence that they would not need to make a claim, or worries over the expense of insurance.
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