Further figures show that of the 8.8 million Britons booked on last minute holidays last year up to one in five chose not to take out travel insurance. Sally Leeman, from the Norwich Union, warned that a lack of coverage could lead to holidaymakers being giving huge bills if they get into trouble with the average claim costing £716 in 2006.
"Medical emergencies are the biggest single cause of travel claims.

"The cost of an injury or consequences of an illness that requires hospitalisation and then repatriation can leave a traveller thousands of pounds out of pocket," said Ms Leeman.

In addition Ms Leeman pointed out that the European Health Insurance Card should not be relied upon instead of insurance because it does not cover for all eventualities.