Holidaymakers are being reminded to take out adequate travel insurance before they leave the country this summer.

Lloyds TSB research reveals that nearly a third of those planning to travel abroad in the next year are worried that their plans might be disrupted by circumstances beyond their control.

Factors cited include tour operators collapsing, natural disasters and severe weather.

If your holiday is booked through an operator, statutory protection is offered by the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (Atol) scheme, which guarantees you will not lose any money paid upfront, and that you won’t be stranded if you are already away.

Until recently, Atol did not cover trips where people booked a flight and hotel separately.

But under new rules introduced on April 30, 2012, you will now get Atol protection if you buy a flight and either accommodation or car hire separately from the same website, travel agent or tour operator within two days and use them for the same trip.

However individuals booking trips which fall outside of Atol, are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance.