FROM slipping by the pool to jellyfish stings, there are many hazards to consider on holiday.
Can you spot all the dangers that could lead you to require travel insurance? Take our quiz to find out.
SWNSClick to play the game[/caption]
SWNSWhile beaches like this in Benidorm, Spain can seem harmless, they are many hazards that could lead to an insurance claim[/caption]
It comes after research of 2,000 holidaymakers found more than three in 10 (32 per cent) have been on holiday abroad without insurance – but a fifth (21 per cent) of those have been caught short.
A quarter who went without simply ‘forgot’, while 66 per cent purposely didn’t bother.
Those who ended up needing it were then out of pocket to the tune of £1,570 each – having to fork out on extra nights in a hotel (53 per cent), a hospital stay and medical bills (51 per cent) and new flights (43 per cent).
Falling ill unexpectedly (35 per cent), issues with luggage not arriving (26 per cent) and theft of belongings (22 per cent) were among the top reasons for needing insurance, according to the research by loveholidays.
And 18 per cent have even had to pay the full cost of a holiday they didn’t even go on due to things like jury services, pregnancies and redundancies halting travel plans.
It also emerged 92 per cent of those who travelled without cover and were caught out will always book insurance from now on.
Al Murray, spokesperson for the online travel agent, which commissioned the survey, said: “Booking a holiday without travel insurance comes with risks, and our research indicates not all holidaymakers are aware of them.
“Things outside of your control can prevent you from going on a holiday you’ve already booked, or affect you while you’re away, potentially leading to unexpected costs.
“Making sure you have the right insurance in place from the moment you book your holiday helps to protect you from those costs, whether that’s medical bills, extra stays in hotels, repatriation flights, or even the cost of a holiday you’re no longer able to go on.”
The research went on to find 52 per cent feel most adventurous when they are on holiday, as it’s fun to explore new areas (68 per cent), is easier to step out of your comfort zone (63 per cent) and no one knows you, so you can be a different person (42 per cent).
With the biggest risks people take on holiday including swimming in the sea at night, trying extreme sports and leaving valuables in a hotel room.
For this reason, 64 per cent are likely to book travel insurance for an adventurous trip.
In general, 20 per cent will book their holiday cover right before their trip, with 28 per cent unaware it insures you from the moment you purchase it.
But 87 per cent believe it is important that you don’t forget it, according to the stats by OnePoll.
Al Murray from loveholidays added: “There’s nothing wrong with letting your hair down and having fun on holiday.
“But you do need to be careful, and having the right protection in place just in case something happens is key.”
Top 10 risks Brits take on holiday
Eating exotic cuisines
Not setting an alarm
Mixing different foods they wouldn’t normally
Going on a hike somewhere they’re not familiar with
Walking outside barefoot
Leaving their accommodation without having access to online maps
Leaving valuable items in their hotel room/accommodation
Trying extreme sports/water sports
Leaving their apartment without their phone fully charged
Swimming in the sea at night
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