Holidaymakers in debt over travel insurance claims

Holidaymakers are falling into debt after having to pay upfront for travel insurance claims, according to new research.

One in 10 (10%) travellers forced to cover expenses before being reimbursed by their insurer ended up in debt, a poll for Co-op Insurance revealed.

A further 26% borrowed money from family members, while a quarter (25%) raided their savings.

Almost three in four (73%) holidaymakers who claimed on their travel insurance were required to pay all or part of the costs of their claim in advance.

The poll of 2,000 UK holidaymakers found that the average claim is worth £2,090.

Co-op Insurance said it has become the first general insurer through which customers will not have to pay for medical treatment before claiming the money back.

The firm's chief executive, Mark Summerfield, said: "Having recognised a gap in the market, we've worked with our members across the Co-op to build a product which is fair, inclusive of all ages and medical conditions.

"We're the first general insurer to pay medical expenses upfront, ensuring that our customers are not left out of pocket at what can already be a stressful time."