With the Easter break fast approaching many of us are thinking about holidays. But wherever you’re going and whatever you do, don’t leave home without travel insurance. Last year UK travel insurers received over 1.74 million claims, 430,000 for medical problems.

“Our list of the top five most common claims shows that medical problems and lost baggage remain far and away the biggest issues for holidaymakers,” says Perry Wilson, managing director at InsureandGo. “These are serious problems that ruin thousands of people’s holidays every year. It is vital to have adequate travel insurance.”

According to research carried out by the company, last year medical claims totalled some £242.3 million. The value of the average medical related claim was around £477 compared to £231 for all other claims.

Around 430,000 claims were also received for lost or stolen baggage, many following the major baggage handling problems at UK airports such as Heathrow and Stansted last summer. In addition £77.01 million was claimed for the cancellation of flights. So the message is don't ever think it will never happen to you. Be prepared for all eventualities and don't leave home without travel insurance.