It’s a sad fact that too many UK holidaymakers still choose to travel abroad without any travel insurance in place, an ‘it won’t happen to me’ mentality causing them to throw common sense out of the window. It’s a short-sighted move, however – the short-term (minor) financial gain is by far outweighed by the huge amount they’ll be out of pocket should they be unlucky enough to need to put in a claim.

Should a holidaymaker fall ill there will be expensive medical bills to contend with. There tends to be a prevailing attitude of ‘oh, it won’t happen to me’ but you have to ask yourself whether it’s really worth the risk. The best case scenario in these situations is extreme inconvenience but things could be much worse than that – and it’s at those times that the added stress of how to pay for expensive medical bills is most unwelcome.

Another factor to consider is how much it would cost to replace lost or stolen personal possessions if you travel without insurance – tourists are often targeted by local gangs of pickpockets and thieves so it’s always best to be covered.

Insurance can also cover delayed flights, usually offering a fixed amount per person to compensate for extra expenses incurred, such as food and drink whilst you are waiting for your flight. If your flight is delayed for 24 hours or more you may also get the option to abandon your trip and make a claim for the full cost of the holiday. Similarly, luggage can be included on travel insurance policies so that people are covered should they find that their checked-in bags go missing between home and their destination.

There’s a saying that goes: “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. That’s true, but the reality is that travel insurance is relatively cheap, especially if you know to look for the best deal. Shop around online and it needn’t be a chore – cheap travel insurance is out there to be found, with the best deals often available online.

Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that all travel insurance policies are pretty much the same; there are differences so seek out the one that best suits your needs. Always read the fine print – and if you aren’t sure about something, don’t just assume it’ll be okay. Pick up the phone and call your insurance provider. It’ll give you peace of mind and help you avoid a costly mistake if you end up having to make a claim. You don’t want to find out too late that you aren’t covered for all eventualities.