Insurance 'essential' for luggage-laden Brits

British holidaymakers have been urged to make sure they have adequate travel insurance on the back of research suggesting that one in eight people have misplaced a possession while overseas in the last 12 months.

According to figures from price comparison site Moneysupermarket.com, items such as digital cameras, designer shades, wallets, mobile phones and luggage are the most common objects that go missing - either due to theft or accidental loss - on holiday.

As a result, Britons should ensure their policies fully cover their personal belongings and that they read any small print to know what the terms and conditions are, said Richard Mason, insurance director for Moneysupermarket.com.

"Beware…of the common practice with providers that if items covered by your home insurance, such as a digital camera, are lost, stolen or damaged on holiday, you will be unable to claim for them on your travel insurance," he added.

Direct Line spokesperson Carmel McCarthy recently said that insurance for gap year travellers heading to countries such as the USA is "absolutely vital" due to the high cost of medical treatment.

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