It has been revealed that when it comes to travel documents, honesty proves not to be the most popular policy.
A travel insurance firm has stated that British travellers and holiday goers, withhold important information about medical conditions when purchasing travel cover as the recession takes its hold on consumer's wallets.
However, the travel firm warned that such practices could result in a policy becoming invalid, and could also create problems for future insurance cover.
It was exposed that three out of five jet setters, admitted to either deliberately holding back crucial details about their medical status, or not being aware of its importance until prompted.
It is thought that there are several reasons as to why Brits do this. On one hand, the rising cost of premiums or the worry of being refused insurance altogether is to be blamed.
On the other hand however, a lack of awareness of whether minor conditions such as asthma or high blood pressure, needing to be declared to the insurer, is also a problem.
The research found that cost was a major driving factor when choosing a travel insurance policy. Around 57% said that they sought out the cheapest cover type, while only 22% said they were looking for value for money.
Chris Blackman, the head of product development at the travel firm said: "Some travellers do not understand the potential consequences of their pre-existing medical conditions. And yet if they fall ill abroad, and need to be repatriated, they could find themselves facing an enormous bill."
He added: "Travel insurers share common issues with motor insurers. Cheaper products often mean less cover, and policyholders only discover they are not covered at the point that a claim is made. Unfortunately this can often end in disaster. Failing to disclose such vital information means your insurer will be within their rights not to honour your claim, and you could be left stranded."
Omitting travel insurance altogether
However, research has also shown that some British travellers omit travel insurance completely and do not even realise the importance of such a policy.
Around £90 million was forked out for those who went abroad without cover in 2008, to which it is estimated that there were 236,000 incidents, where insurance claims could have been made if the holidaymaker had taken out travel cover.
The top five holiday problems included medical issues, lost or stolen baggage, lost or stolen money and travel delay. Medical bills contributed to more than two thirds of this total, based on a predicted 92,000 incidents.
Perry Wilson from another insurance firm said: "Thankfully, most people get adequate travel insurance before they go on holiday, but there is still a significant proportion of us going abroad without being insured.
"Medical problems and lost baggage affect so many holidaymakers nowadays, and with average claim values rocketing they can be costly.
"In times like these, when money is so tight, it is even more important people ensure they have adequate insurance so they don't end up badly out of pocket."
The company noted that only 14% of travellers went abroad without insurance.
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