Holiday Britons 'unaware of insurance cover'

More than a quarter of Britons go abroad blithely unaware of the extent of the cover their travel insurance provides.

Research by HSBC discovered that 27 per cent of UK holidaymakers do not plan to check the terms of their insurance before hopping on a plane, train, boat or car for a trip abroad.

The study shows that 19 per cent of people rely on their current account or credit card to provide them with cover, instead of researching a policy that will give them the protection they need.

Michael Oliver, HSBC head of current accounts, said that HSBC’s Bank Account Plus offered competitive travel insurance which "offers an extensive policy for the whole family - in fact, the same policy as if it was purchased as a stand-alone product".

The account also offers fee free cash withdrawals at foreign ATMs and commission free foreign currency.

Tesco travel insurance is also taking advantage of the upcoming summer holidays to promote its product, promising customers who buy instant annual travel insurance online a 20 per cent discount.