Millions of British travellers are jetting off on holiday without investing in travel insurance and risking receiving massive medical bills.
A new study carried out by travel association ABTA revealed almost one-quarter (24 per cent) of people are failing to take out a policy, which is a four per cent increase from 2011.
Males and younger individuals were found to be the least likely to escape the country uninsured, with less than half (48 per cent) of 15 to 24-year-olds travelling abroad without cover.
John de Vial, head of financial protection at ABTA, said the rise in the number of Brits going overseas without insurance is “alarming”.
He added: “In these tough economic times, holidaymakers may feel pressure to cut costs, but travel insurance is an essential.”
The firm also discovered there is confusion amongst travellers about travel insurance, as 17 per cent mistakenly think their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover their medical costs.
However, while an EHIC is essential for travelling around Europe, it does not help with paying for private treatment or repatriation to the UK if they become seriously sick.