Don't skip travel insurance this year

According to Norwich union, more than half of British holidaymakers (51%) said they might not bother taking out travel cover this year as they were "feeling the pinch".

The insurer said its claims data showed that the average medical emergency claim cost around £1,200 and an average baggage claim around £220. It added that travel insurance would also be important for the one in three people planning to holiday in the UK this year to cover against unexpected cancellations.

Suzi Fenn, travel product manager at Norwich Union, said: "Understandably, people are looking to make savings on their holidays this year given the economic climate. However, with more than £60 million paid out in 2007 in insurance claims for everything from medical emergencies to damaged baggage, scrimping on this essential travel cost really isn’t worth the risk.

"With options of taking single trip or annual cover, people can choose a policy that represents the best value for them, so it doesn’t have to be an expensive outlay."