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The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is urging travellers to pay more attention to their insurance policies and read the small print, especially if they are going on a more adventurous holiday.

Malcolm Tarling, a spokesperson for the association said that high-risk activities are often excluded under regular travel insurance policies. For those planning to engage in more adrenaline-inducing sports, it's important to buy a policy accordingly.

"If you're thinking of getting involved in some of the dangerous sports, which many people will do when they go on holiday, the first thing you need to do is to check your policy before you actually sign on the dotted line," Tarling said.

He elaborated: "If you're planning to go white-water rafting down the Colorado River or something, your bog-standard travel policy won't cover you."

Even travellers departing for mini-breaks and short holidays need some kind of travel insurance. I'd say it's very important, even for a couple of days. It doesn't take more than a couple of minutes for you to lose your bags," said Tarling.

Unfortunately lost bags are a reality becoming more and more familiar to travellers, particularly those flying in and out of Heathrow Airport. The Association of European Airlines says that the number of lost bags has increased by 22 per cent across Europe this year. Insurance can cover items purchased while bags are delayed and pay for lost items when the bags are never found.

In addition, many travel policies have coverage for flights that are delayed for a certain period of time, particularly those caused by strikes, weather problems and mechanical problems with the aircraft.

In addition, Travel insurance covers travellers who are forced to cancel their trips. Tarling explained: Most standard policies will cover cancellation but the cause of the cancellation will be specified in the policy; typically your illness, or an illness of someone travelling with you, or a close family member."

All passengers should look into travelling with insurance that adequately reflects their needs and covers them for delays, cancellations and lost bags.

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Jennifer Jones Editorial

13/08/2007