'One in three' ignore travel insurance

As many as one in three holidaymakers are jetting off abroad without adequate travel insurance, according to a new survey.

The study by Nationwide found that some 35 per cent of those questioned admitted they go on holiday without travel insurance, meaning they are not fully covered should anything go wrong.

And many also admitted they did not use a safety deposit box when abroad, with one in three claiming they simply kept currency, passports and other valuables on their person.

Nationwide's insurance director Robin Bailey said: "It is astounding that people are prepared to take such a gamble when travelling abroad.

"You never know what's around the corner and for that reason it is vital that you have adequate travel insurance in place."

However, of those who do arrange travel insurance to cover them for cancellations, lost property or medical emergencies, 89 per cent are aged between 25 to 34 years old.