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One in three neglect insurance

A recent study conducted by Nationwide has revealed that an alarming number of today’s travellers are going abroad without the protection provided by travel insurance.

Of those who responded to the poll, 35 per cent said that they don’t always purchase travel insurance before going on vacation abroad. Approximately one in three travellers, therefore, are vulnerable to losing out in the case of a medical emergency, the loss or theft of belongings, flight delays and cancellations.

Unfortunately, the dangers of travelling without travel insurance are compounded by unsafe travel practises. Of those surveyed, 36 per cent admitted that they do not use the safety deposit box provided by the hotel to store their valuables while travelling. Instead, they said they’d rather keep their valuables with them. Two per cent admitted that they carelessly leave their passports and money on the hotel table, even when out of the room.

Although over 50 per cent of those surveyed said that they take more than one trip a year, less than a third hold annual travel insurance, which is often a more convenient and inexpensive option for frequent travellers compared to single trip travel insurance.

Robin Bailey, the insurance director for Nationwide said: "It is astounding that people are prepared to take such a gamble when travelling abroad. You never know what's around the corner and for that reason it is vital that you have adequate travel insurance in place.

"As many of us are choosing to holiday more frequently throughout the year, it is always worth considering the option of an annual travel insurance policy."

The Nationwide survey also revealed some interesting geographical trends in insurance. Those living in eastern England are far more likely than those in the South West to take out insurance. Around 90 per cent of residents in the East take out insurance when travelling, compared to only 75 per cent in the South West.