- A third of Brits have taken part in "daredevil" sports on impulse while on holiday
- Ensure your travel insurance covers you, says moneysupermarket.com
Research from the UK's leading price comparison site found over one in three (37 per cent) British holidaymakers has taken part in an extreme sport on impulse1. Londoners are the biggest holiday risk-takers, with almost half (46 per cent) indulging in daredevil activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, canoeing, compared to only 28 per cent from Wales. Men are also the more daring of the sexes - 41 per cent of men have taken a risk, compared to 33 per cent of women admitting to being adrenaline-junkies.
A holiday abroad can bring out a daredevil streak in travellers, away from a normal lifestyle and daily routine. However when acting on impulse and taking part in activities that wouldn't necessarily be considered back home, some holidaymakers may not give a second thought to whether their standard travel insurance provides cover for these daring activities.
moneysupermarket.com found Brits can cover themselves for daredevil holiday pursuits from as little as £6.25 a year with Elect (White Horse) Travel which cover provides for sports such as 'black' water rafting, bungee jumping, and canoeing when travelling within Europe2. Levels of cover will vary between insurers, and in some cases additional premiums may apply.
Maxine Baker, travel insurance manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "We Brits are a daring bunch, and while it's no real surprise men are the biggest fans of extreme sports, there's no doubt thinking ahead is the key to an adequately covered trip. Whether you're a student planning a gap year to remember, taking a career break, or simply heading off for some autumn sun, any daredevil holidaymakers jetting off in pursuit of an adventure-filled holiday should pay special attention to what their travel insurance covers them for."
Further analysis reveals the younger generation is the most fearless - 63 per cent of under-twenties have taken part in extreme activities while abroad, compared to just under half (45 per cent) of Brits in their thirties.
Maxine Baker continued: "If there is any chance you might take part in extreme sporting activities while you are away, it is essential you speak to your insurer ahead of your trip; daredevil activities may not be covered by some standard policies so scour the small print before you 'jump'."
Top holiday impulse activities:
|
Impulse activity
|
Percentage of holidaymakers |
Male |
Female |
|
Horse riding |
12% |
10% |
13% |
|
Scuba Diving |
8% |
9% |
7% |
|
Jet skiing |
7% |
9% |
5% |
|
Quad biking |
7% |
8% |
6% |
|
Parasailing |
6% |
7% |
5% |
|
Canoeing |
5% |
7% |
4% |
|
Waterskiing |
4% |
5% |
3% |
|
Whitewater rafting |
3% |
4% |
3% |
|
Rock climbing |
3% |
5% |
2% |
|
Bungee jumping |
3% |
4% |
2% |
|
Sky diving / parachuting |
3% |
3% |
2% |
-Ends-
Notes to Editors:
1 Research undertaken by Opinium Research based on an online poll of 2,004 UK adults between 14 and 18 August 2009. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria. www.opiniumresearch.com
2 Travel insurance for a male aged 30, Single Trip 2 weeks in Europe (Spain)
|
Provider |
Premium |
Medical Expenses Cover* |
Personal Liability Cover* |
Cancellation Cover* |
Baggage Cover* |
Extreme Sports
(Certain conditions and additional premium may apply) |
|
Elect (White Horse) Travel Insurance
Essentials Single Trip |
£6.25 |
£10,000,000 |
£2,000,000 |
£750 |
£750 |
Black water rafting (grades 1-4); Bungee Jumping (max 2 jumps); Canoeing
Excluding: white water canoeing of any grade); Parascending (over water); White water rafting (up to grade 4). |
|
Holiday Extras
Holiday Extras Supersaver |
£6.82 |
£5,000,000 |
£2,000,000 |
£3,000 |
£1,500 |
White/black water rafting (grade 1 to 4); Abseiling; Canoeing/Kayaking (white water); Bungee jumping (up to 3 jumps); Parachuting; paracending (over land). |
|
Primary Insurance
Primary Essentials |
£6.88 |
£5,000,000 |
£1,000,000 |
£750 |
£500 |
Bungee Jumping (up to 1 jump per trip); parascending (over water); White water rafting (Grade 1 to 4). |
*Benefit subject to excess
Sourced by
www.moneysupermarket.com 25.09.2009
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