Lost passport figures show importance of holiday insurance

New research has highlighted the importance of travel insurance for people planning their summer holidays.

Data released by Halifax Travel Insurance showed that over half a million British tourists lose or have their passport stolen every year while they are away.

These losses are causing financial distress to holidaymakers, with the associated delay typically resulting in £131 per person in extra accommodation and rescheduled flights.

Interestingly, the report showed that 12 per cent of passports are lost in airports and 11 per cent go missing from hotel rooms.

"Losing your passport abroad is a guaranteed nightmare and we always advise taking several photocopies of the back page with you, just in case something happens to," Halifax Travel Insurance''s Paul Birkhead commented.

"This can help to speed the process up and avoid delays on the return leg of your trip, which is not only costly, but can cause serious hassle – especially if you''re due back at work. Of course if you have a decent travel insurance policy then it is likely that much of the expense will be covered by your insurer."

A recent report from the AA suggested that people planning domestic holidays this year should also take the time to make sure they have adequate insurance cover in place.