Travel insurance provider, Churchill said the cost of accidents abroad resulting in holidaymakers being injured was £361 million. Hospital treatment was necessary for 182,000 tourists. A large proportion of claims were for theft with 58,000 Churchill customers saying that the biggest setback for them was theft.
Mike Ketteringham, head of travel insurance at Churchill said, “We advise travellers to shop around for quality travel insurance before they take their holiday. Levels of cover and price vary hugely so its important that time is taken to find the right travel policy.”
Food poisoning topped the list of the most common ailment while on holiday with 18 per cent of holidaymakers suffering from upset stomachs while away.
Another survey this month revealed that the holiday hot spot for thefts was Spain. Direct Line found that one in ten UK holidaymakers were robbed abroad, the majority of incidents being in Spain. One third of those surveyed had items stolen from their hotel rooms and 13 per cent were the victims of muggings.
The overall cost bourn by holidaymakers as a result of theft was approximately £500. Approximately one in ten people suffered such large losses.
Holiday insurance by Churchill is available to buy online with a ten per cent discount or policy prices start from £50 is you choose to buy over the phone.