Without insurance, tourists could face thousands of pounds of bills for medical treatment or lost belongings.
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More than eight-and-a-half million holidaymakers planning to go abroad this summer do not have travel insurance.
Research by the Association of British Insurers (ABTA) shows that out of 2,000 adults surveyed, 38% were yet to make arrangements to protect themselves and their families, many believing they don’t need it.
The association’s research found 21% of holidaymakers had travelled without insurance over the past year.
Insurance can protect against flight cancellations or stolen property, and is recommended even if for travel within the EU.
ABTA are working alongside the Foreign Office to encourage travellers to take out insurance as soon as they book their holiday.
ABTA’s spokeswoman, Sarah Cordey, says the figures are worrying.
“Having a medical emergency abroad is a nightmare scenario and it’s alarming how many people still take the risk of travelling uninsured.
“Bills for medical treatment can quickly run to hundreds of thousands of pounds, particularly if someone needs an air ambulance to get home, and these aren’t costs many people can face alone.”
Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s chief executive, said the message was simple.
“Don’t take the risk, take out travel insurance and make sure it covers you for your circumstances and holiday plans.
“It’s also really important holidaymakers carry a copy of their insurance on them at all times, as well as leaving a copy with family or friends back home. That way they’ll be able to contact their insurer quickly and without hassle, should they need to.”
Julia Longbottom, director of consular of services at the Foreign Office, said travellers should keep in mind the cost of going without protection
“You could find yourself paying out thousands of pounds in medical bills if you don’t have insurance.”
“It’s important to know the FCO cannot help fund medical bills if you or a family member are taken ill or hospitalised when abroad.’’
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Standfirst
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Headline‘8 million’ Brits travel without insurance
Short Headline'Millions' travelling uninsured
StandfirstAround a third of British people went abroad without insurance last year - a quarter say it's a risk they're willing to take.
More than eight-and-a-half million holidaymakers planning to go abroad this summer do not have travel insurance.
Research by the Association of British Insurers (ABTA) shows that out of 2,000 adults surveyed, 38% were yet to make arrangements to protect themselves and their families, many believing they don’t need it.
The association’s research found 21% of holidaymakers had travelled without insurance over the past year.
Insurance can protect against flight cancellations or stolen property, and is recommended even if for travel within the EU.
ABTA are working alongside the Foreign Office to encourage travellers to take out insurance as soon as they book their holiday.
ABTA’s spokeswoman, Sarah Cordey, says the figures are worrying.
“Having a medical emergency abroad is a nightmare scenario and it’s alarming how many people still take the risk of travelling uninsured.
“Bills for medical treatment can quickly run to hundreds of thousands of pounds, particularly if someone needs an air ambulance to get home, and these aren’t costs many people can face alone.”
Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s chief executive, said the message was simple.
“Don’t take the risk, take out travel insurance and make sure it covers you for your circumstances and holiday plans.
“It’s also really important holidaymakers carry a copy of their insurance on them at all times, as well as leaving a copy with family or friends back home. That way they’ll be able to contact their insurer quickly and without hassle, should they need to.”
Julia Longbottom, director of consular of services at the Foreign Office, said travellers should keep in mind the cost of going without protection
“You could find yourself paying out thousands of pounds in medical bills if you don’t have insurance.”
“It’s important to know the FCO cannot help fund medical bills if you or a family member are taken ill or hospitalised when abroad.’’
