Brits warned about travel insurance

British tourists are being urged not to cut corners on travel insurance after research revealed that many encounter problems when on holiday abroad.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) found, in its third annual 'British Behaviour Abroad' report, that 8,304 Britons needed assistance in the USA and 6,710 passports were lost in Spain between April 2006 and March 2007.

Foreign office minister Meg Munn said: "This report highlights what can go wrong on holiday. It is a reminder to all that taking out comprehensive travel insurance is a crucial part of your holiday planning and not something that should be sacrificed in order to save a few pounds."

Concerns have been raised about whether people could attempt to save money by travelling without insurance after another study by the FCO discovered that two thirds of Brits said they are planning to spend less on their holidays this year.

Brits were more likely to be arrested in Cyprus, closely followed by the USA and the United Arab Emirates, according to the FCO report.