Men hit by lack of insurance

Men are more likely to be injured on holiday than women, but also are less likely to carry insurance.

11:46 02 August 2004

Men are more likely to be injured on holiday than women, but also are less likely to carry insurance.

New figures from Post Office travel services show that men make more claims on their insurance and the cost of their treatment is up to 50 per cent more than that for women.

For example, the average personal accident claim (a claim for permanent injury) is 22,500 for a man compared with just 15,000 for a woman.

The research also reveals that a third of men take part in risky holiday activities without checking they are adequately covered, compared with just one in five women. Almost half (45 per cent) of women stated organising travel insurance was their main priority, compared with just 33 per cent of men.

Men also fail to plan adequately in other areas, according to the Post Office survey, with 12 per cent likely to travel without the relevant vaccinations (compared with seven per cent for women) and 17 per cent unlikely to travel with back-up funds in case of an emergency (compared with just ten per cent of women).

Hugh Stacey, head of travel services at the Post Office, said: "Our research shows that women seem to have their feet firmly on the ground, generally taking less risks and showing far more concern for the planning and financial side of the holiday."