With a growing number of older Brits indulging in ‘risk holiday behaviour’ travel insurance for this group is almost a necessity.

It’s probably nothing new to a lot of people concerning the behaviour of some Brits abroad. The Brits have had a reputation for wild and excessive shenanigans when holidaying for some time now. But while this was usual the preserve of the younger crowd a new phenomenon is hitting foreign climes in the shape of party loving OAPS!

 Yes, the Foreign Office has revealed that a worrying growing is of rise of the OAP -- "overseas and plastered" -- phenomenon among the over-55s. OAP is also an acronym in Britain for old age pensioner.

The young at heart oldies it seems are going on foreign holiday more than ever and living it up on a par with the younger generation.

People in this age group are taking more foreign holidays than before, but a fifth of them are taking risks they would not contemplate at home, the Foreign Office said.

Bungee-jumping, parasailing, water-skiing and moped-riding are just some of the activities on the holiday itineraries of today's older generation.

Booze is an integral part for the majority with many drinking much more than they would when at home. At all-inclusive resorts the temptation to drink even more is hard to resist.

Rania Kossiori, British vice-consul in the Greek island of Rhodes, said: "Most problems that we see with the older generation of Brits arise from over-consumption of alcohol and food.

"Drinking and staying too long in the sun can make you ill and undertaking strenuous activity like going swimming or snorkeling after a large meal can put you in unnecessary danger: people have drowned this way."

Too much alcohol can also lead to the sort of behaviour usually associated with the younger generation, such as becoming abusive, she added.

Despite making three times as many travel insurance claims than younger travellers, 65 percent of those surveyed admitted to taking their last trip overseas without insurance and more than 80 percent do not have a health check before travelling.

All too often caution is not been taken when holidaying abroad leading to accidents occurring in some cases. Almost a fifth of couples say they or their partner have been injured abroad.

Foreign Office minister Meg Munn said: "The FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) is all for over-55s having fun on holiday, but it is crucial that they make some simple preparations to help avoid encountering difficulties whilst abroad.

"Acquiring adequate travel insurance is a must and health scares abroad can be avoided by visiting a GP and having a health check before embarking on a holiday."