The Foreign Office has launched a major drive to boost travel insurance sales on the back on fresh statistics, which reveal British holidaymakers made eight million uncovered trips abroad in 1999 and 2000.

The Know Before You Go campaign is urging companies to become official partners by signing up to its charter, which is endorsed by the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw.

The research reveals that:

  • 23% of British travellers felt they had experienced “a major problem which had prevented them fully enjoying their trip”
  • of those who do take out insurance, many are confused about what it covers
  • 74% agree with the statement “I just want to go on holiday to have a good time” and

    “I don't want to have to think about potential problems”

  • 70% of travellers don't bother to research their destination before departure
  • 54% of travellers who are aware of dangers abroad rely on word of mouth for information about potential risks.

    Current partners in the campaign are the Association of British Travel Agents, the Airport Operators Association, Advantage Travel Centres (also known as NAITA), the British Bankers' Association, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Federation of Tour Operators and Worldchoice.

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