Up to 1.7 million people will suffer a disaster while on holiday abroad this year and only 35% will have their losses settled in full because of limited cover, or because they didn’t bother to arrange travel insurance.

Falling ill or having an accident while abroad can be seriously expensive. Doctor’s fees and hospital expenses really can mount up to an alarming total, and if you need to come home in an air ambulance, you can expect to pay between £18,000 and £60,000 depending on where in the world you are being treated.

In some parts of the world diarrhoea is almost compulsory! Be very careful what you eat and drink. Watch how your food is prepared and how clean the kitchen appears to be. Always keep a diarrhoea remedy with you and drink plenty of bottled water to keep you hydrated.

Losing your luggage or having it stolen is quite a common event. What happens if you have to cancel your holiday because of your own, or someone else’s illness or incapacity?

Worryingly, thousands are likely to suffer from physical assault while abroad this year and have their money or passports stolen. Are you insured for mugging?

Pickpockets and handbag snatchers seem to be everywhere: Be especially careful at bus and train stations, or anywhere there are crowds. Try not to carry large amounts of cash and do inform your bank immediately if you lose your debit or credit card.

Do not leave anything of value on the beach or by the swimming pool, there is a very high chance that one of the innocent looking sunbathers is waiting for the opportunity to steal your possessions whilst you to take a cooling dip.

If you have the protection of travel insurance, they will need to see a police report to confirm that you reported the loss or theft, they may also ask to see receipts for any recently purchased or high value items.

If you are going to participate in and sporting activity or other dangerous pursuit, do make sue that your travel insurance policy will cover you for medical expenses and repatriation in the event of you being injured.