8 out of 10 Brits admit to being 'very drunk' on holiday according to a new survey and, of the 1,000 people surveyed, over 70% were unaware that their travel insurance didn't cover them in the event of a drunken accident or injury.
"We advise all travellers to think twice before drinking heavily on holiday this summer", warns Stuart Bensusan, Insurance Director at EssentialTravel.co.uk "not just because of the dangers it exposes them to, but also because their insurance won't automatically cover the consequences."
It's not until travellers put in claims that they realise their excessive drinking has invalidated their insurance. The most common 'drunken holiday claims' are as follows:
- Loss of personal items (including passport, wallet, camera or phone) (32%)
- Personal accident (including balcony or moped falls resulting in broken bones or concussion) (28%)
- Injured in a fight (19%)
- Hospitalisation due to dehydration (as a result of excessive drinking) (12%)
- Hospitalisation due to alcohol poisoning (9%)
The cost of a drunken incident can range from the relatively minor ?50 for a new camera, through to more significant bills.
For example, hospitalisation for dehydration or alcohol poisoning will be charged at approximately GBP50 a day in Europe.
A broken bone or fracture will cost at the least GBP2,500 and could be up to GBP5,000 for a bad break in certain parts of the world.
"Obviously holidaymakers should be free to enjoy a drink, but they need to drink responsibly and take necessary precautions, such as drinking lots of water and leaving personal items in the hotel", says Bensusan.
www.essentialtravel.co.uk 
