Men at greater risk of needing travel insurance

Though all travellers should have insurance, men seem more likely to need it.

Travel Insurance News - 10/06/2010

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It’s already hard enough for travel-industry experts and organizations to get the point across. Far too many take far too many trips abroad without adequate travel insurance. Often, even those who do arrange some kind of cover fail to ensure it is the appropriate type or amount of insurance for their planned holiday.

However, if you’re a man, listen up: you really, really better make the effort to take out adequate travel insurance before you go anywhere. Recent research found that men are three times more likely to have problems on holiday than are women.

Under the survey, 2,000 respondents using an online travel agency provide valuable insight into holiday experiences. The results are pretty clear. Thirty-four per cent of men suffered from accidents, injury or other problems while on holiday, compared to just 11 per cent of women.

One theory about the reasons behind this huge disparity is founded on the idea that men take greater risks while on holiday, while women are more careful. It seems the men are the ones who really let their hair down abroad. Even more worrying, perhaps, is the revelation that 19 per cent of the people surveyed said they don’t invest in travel insurance when arranging their holidays.

The list of top-five holiday accidents was headed by slipping at the swimming pool and falling down after drinking too much booze. The other big problems were skiing accidents, traffic crashes, and water sports mishaps. Food poisoning was the single biggest holiday health issue, but heat stroke was almost as common an ailment.

<< Travelers bent on adventure should ensure adequate insurance | Travel News | England fans should check passports before heading to Africa >>