Nine in 10 Brits admit to taking part in unplanned adventurous activities and experiences while on holiday. But this spontaneity costs them over £3bn becasue they weren’t covered by their travel insurance.

Research from Columbus Direct revealed that while the majority of people (69%) buy travel insurance before heading off on holiday, nearly half don’t know what activities are included as standard on their policy. As such, many risk being accidentally underinsured.

The top unplanned adventurous activities are:

1. Swimming with dolphins
2. Scuba diving
3. Zip-lining
4. Beach games
5. = Paragliding
6. = Cycling

Taking the example of paragliding, this is typically covered by a specialist insurance policy, and not as standard on travel insurance cover.

A poll of 2,000 holidaymakers showed a quarter (26%) of Brits have, or know someone who has, been injured while taking part in an activity on holiday. And 16% of those injured weren’t covered by their travel insurance, costing them an average of £1,700 each in medical and repatriation costs.

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‘Give your insurer a quick call before taking part in an activity’

Carolina Vicente, travel insurance expert at Columbus Direct, said: “One of the best things about holidays is that anything can happen, and it’s great to see holidaymakers taking spur of the moment opportunities to try new and adventurous activities.

“But so that these hard-earned experiences remain positive, adventurous travellers – as well as the accidental ones – need to make sure to check they’re covered for all eventualities when taking out their holiday insurance.

“It’s always important to understand what is, and isn’t, covered by your policy – even if this means giving your insurer a quick call from the beach before heading off paragliding, surfing or bungee jumping.”