Holidaymakers 'unaware of risks travelling uninsured'

Travellers heading overseas have been urged to remember to take out cover before taking their trip.

Holidaymakers booking flights to Australia and other locations have been advised of the importance of taking out cover before their trip.

A study carried out by Abta - the travel association showed that 20 per cent of travellers are still running the risk of incurring high medical bills by not taking out cover before they leave home.

The company reported that the most alarming point to come from the research was that 21 per cent of people mistakenly believed that the UK government will cover the cost of their bills if a mishap occurs when they are abroad.

John de Vial, Abta head of financial protection, said: "It is very worrying that so many people are putting their health and finances at risk by travelling abroad without insurance."

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Travel insurance 'needs to cover natural events'

Travellers have been advised to make sure that the cover they have will protect them against natural disasters.

People taking flights to India and other countries have been advised that when taking out a travel insurance policy it is important to look for cover which protects them against natural occurrences.

Sean Tipton, senior press officer at Abta - The Travel Association, said that people who are travelling independently need to know what their policy does or does not cover.

He explained that one area which is now often covered as standard is delays or cancellations which have been caused by volcanic ash clouds.

"It's more of an issue for the simple reason that many more people are making their own arrangements rather than booking packages," Mr Tipton explained.

The expert said that the situation is different for people who travel as part of a package as any issue will be covered by their tour operator.

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