are withholding vital information about medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance as the credit crunch takes hold.
As a result travel insurance could be invalid, warn experts at specialist AllClear.
Three out of five holidaymakers admit to either holding back crucial details about their medical history, or not being aware of its importance unless/until prompted.
The rising cost of premiums, or the risk of being refused cover altogether, are thought to be to blame. Lack of awareness of whether such minor conditions as asthma or high blood pressure need to be declared is also an issue.
"Some travellers do not understand the potential consequences of their pre-existing medical conditions," said Chris Blackman, head of product development at AllClear.
"And yet if they fall ill abroad, and need to be repatriated, they could find themselves facing an enormous bill."
AllClear's research shows that cost is the major driver in choosing an insurance product: 57 per cent said that they sought out the cheapest insurance, while only 22 per cent said that they were looking for value for money.
"Travel insurers share common issues with motor insurers," added Mr Blackman.
"Cheaper products often mean less cover, and policyholders only discover they are not covered at the point that a claim is made."
³Unfortunately this can often end in disaster. Failing to disclose such vital information means your insurer will be within their rights not to honour your claim, and you could be left stranded.²
AllClear recently reported that the average cost of claims for repatriating holidaymakers taken ill whilst overseas is in excess of £25,000.
An analysis of claims handled by the medical travel insurance specialist, showed that insurers are increasingly having to fork out huge sums to get travellers home, even for apparently minor injuries or ailments.
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