Young travellers warned to take out insurance

Young holidaymakers more at risk of suffering calamities abroad than older travellers, new research indicates.

According to Sainsbury’s Bank, 1.48 million people aged 30 or under expect to take holidays abroad this year without insurance. The bank is warning young travellers to ensure they have sufficient insurance cover because they are more likely to suffer an accident on holiday than any other age group.

Sainsbury's found that 31 per cent of people aged 15-24 and 25 per cent of those aged 25-34 have suffered from a problem while on holiday over the past five years, such as falling ill or losing money. In comparison, 17 per cent of people aged 35-44 and 65 and over reported the same thing.

Robert O’May, Sainsbury's Bank travel insurance manager, said: "Our research shows that younger people tend to be at greater risk of suffering misfortune on holiday than older people, which makes it all the more important that they have travel insurance. Without it, they could find themselves with no assistance and potentially very expensive medical bills. Despite this, they are far less likely to take out cover."

Research firm Mintel reports that one in five people aged 18-24 who took a holiday last year did not take out travel insurance, compared with just six per cent of those aged 45-64.

Holidaymakers are advised to make sure they choose a policy that provides a wide range of cover and benefits, read the small print, make sure they are up front with the insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions and shop around for the best prices.