Over a third of British travellers do not take out any travel insurance for their annual holiday, according to Natwest Insurance.
Men were found to be the worst offenders in the insurer's survey, with 45% admitting that they choose not to take out any insurance for their trip.
Three-quarters of Britons do not know whether they have adequate cover for the contents of their suitcase.
Bob Trinder, Head of NatWest Insurance Services, said: "Many people underestimate the value of their possessions on holiday and when they add up their camera, CD player, favourite clothes, it can come to more than they expect.
"Unfortunately it is often not until it's too late that some people realise the importance of adequate travel insurance and are faced with a huge loss if their suitcase is lost, damaged or stolen."
