New research has suggested that Britons deliberately stay clear of taking out travel insurance when getting ready to go on holiday. More than a quarter prepare for their summer break and consider it an unnecessary expense. The figure translates into roughly 13.4 million people.

When streamlining the figures, different attitudes to travel insurance vary from one age group to another. For instance, older consumers in particular travel without insurance with 32 per cent of 55 to 64-year-olds avoiding it altogether. 28 per cent of the over-65s declare that they will not get cover for their summer vacation. On the other hand, 21 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds – which translates into roughly 1.24 million - will abandon the idea completely.

The statistics should worry those who take a similar attitude. Although thinking they will benefit in the short term by not taking out travel insurance, they may well find that they need deep pockets when abroad if they have to pay for medical treatment-which can often be astronomic in some countries.

This could place pressure on other financial demands, like loans, credit cards and mortgage repayments, when they return home.