Brits warned they could face major costs if they skip 1 key step when booking a holiday

Two-thirds of young Britons have jetted off on holiday without any travel insurance, with half convinced nothing could possibly go wrong. This comes despite research showing 29% of all holidaymakers have had to make a claim after things went awry either before or during their trip, with the average claim coming to around £4,500.

Top reasons for this included a holiday being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances like illness. Meanwhile, nearly half have had to use their policy because of lengthy travel delays, while 45% needed help following a medical emergency overseas.

However, the poll of 2,000 adults found 58% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers have skipped getting travel insurance also because it costs too much.

Emily Barnett, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research, said: "Taking out travel insurance should be as instinctive as booking your flights, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances, for example should you need to cancel before you depart.

"With the busy winter travel season upon us, whether it's skiing in the Alps or a visit to the Christmas markets, it's never been more important to make sure you have suitable cover in place before you set off."

It also emerged 41% have claimed for delayed or damaged baggage, while 40% needed their policy after being targeted by thieves abroad.

Others have been forced to depend on insurance after their hotel or travel firm cancelled on them, while 38% made a claim to get hold of medication during their trip.

However, 16% didn't realise their policy needs to match the specific requirements of their holiday – as some trips, such as winter sports, need specialist cover. This rises to nearly a third among those aged 18 to 24.

When it comes to travel worries, the biggest fear among those polled is facing a medical emergency away from home (37%), followed by losing luggage (21%) and missing their flight (19%).

The findings have inspired a striking photo series from Compare the Market, titled 'What Happened on Holiday', designed to highlight the importance of booking insurance at the same time as your trip.

Emily Barnett added: "We're urging Brits to protect their trips early to give themselves peace of mind, so they can focus on making memories instead of mishaps."

1. Trip cancellation (due to illness, injury, bereavement etc. )
2. Travel delays (beyond a set time)
3. Emergency medical treatment
4. Emergency expenses
5. Travel interruptions
6. Delayed or damaged baggage
7. Missed flights or connections
8. Theft of items
9. Hotel / travel company cancellation
10. Prescriptions and medication