A study conducted by American Express Insurance Services, which provides business trip travel insurance along with a raft of other policies, found that one in seven people use either a laptop or a Blackberry phone to keep in touch with their office when they are away on a business trip or enjoying a holiday. According to Chris Rolland, head of American Express Insurance Services, the importance of business trip insurance is increasing greatly as new high value gadgets continue to enter the market.

He said: "Before going on holiday, Brits should check their insurance policies to make certain their poolside gadgets are covered up to their maximum price, just in case they are ruined with a splash. For instance, our Annual Prestige policy covers up to £750 per single item. We also provide special business trip insurance cover for business travellers on the go, which will ensure that laptops and related equipment are protected as well as the travel costs of a colleague should they need to stand in for you at important functions or events."

The survey from the business trip insurance provider also revealed that despite the ubiquity of the devices, they are not necessarily welcomed by all who own them, with 67 per cent of those surveyed dubbing mobile technology "more of a hindrance than a help".

When seeking good value travel insurance cover and comparing policies, holidaymakers are reminded to weigh up how much importance they place on three main risks: delays and cancellation, medical assistance and theft, loss or damage to possessions. Different policies offer varying levels of compensation for each risk and the cheapest policy is not always the most relevant.