Adventurous Brits risk insurance nightmare
Tuesday, 17 Jun 2008 14:37
Check policy small print before taking part in any adventurous activities, insurer advises
Adventurous Brits are being warned to check the small print on their travel insurance before jetting off on holiday this summer.
As many as a quarter (25 per cent) of holidaymakers choose their destination based on the availability of adventurous sports and activities such as scuba diving, white water rafting and bungee jumping, according to a survey from esure.
But with one in ten Brits wrongly believing standard travel insurance will cover adventurous activities abroad, many could be at risk of a hefty bill in case of an accident.
Only two thirds said they check their travel documents before taking part in a hazardous sport or activity – while 15 per cent said they would go ahead and make a booking even if they knew the activity wasn't covered under their travel insurance.
Mike Pickard, head of travel insurance at esure, said: "Brits want more from their holidays nowadays and appear to be swapping the sun lounger for the bungee cord.
"It's not where they've been on holiday but what they've done that seems to be important.
"With a surge in the popularity of, and access to, more adventurous sports and activities at holiday resorts across the globe, it's crucial for holidaymakers to take out travel insurance and check they're covered before they try out the likes of white water rafting in Australia or shark-feeding in the Bahamas.
"Get injured and the medical bills could turn a paradise trip into a nightmare."
Insurer esure suggests checking your policy before you go, and if there are any activities you want to try that are not included, a quick call to your insurer could sort this out.