ASTONISHING findings in recent travel research carried out by the Post
Office has revealed that men are at a much higher risk on holiday than
women.

According to Post Office data, men are up to 50 per cent more accident-prone
than women when travelling abroad. Figures from Post Office Travel Services
reveal that men are more likely to make a claim on their travel insurance
and that their cost of treatment is up to 50 per cent more expensive than
women.

Figures reveal that the average personal accident claim (a claim for
permanent injury) is £22,500 for a man compared to just £15,000 for a woman.

Claims made by men for medical cover are also more expensive with the
average claim totalling £418 compared to £329 for women. Overall, the
average cost of claims made by men is £267 - almost 20 per cent higher than
the female average of £226.

These figures come as no surprise since bungee jumping, water-skiing and
mountain biking are just some of the extreme activities that some male
holidaymakers take part in.

A quarter of men also admit to taking more risks on holiday than they would
do at home.

Hugh Stacey, Head of Travel Services at the Post Office, said: "Our research
shows that women seem to have their feet firmly on the ground, generally
taking less risks and showing far more concern for the planning and
financial side of the holiday."

Despite male preferences for high-risk holidays, men are continuing to snub
travel insurance with 37 per cent unlikely to take out cover for an
adventure holiday and 70 per cent unlikely to insure themselves for a trip
in the UK.

Women are most concerned with organising insurance and finances with 45 per cent stating organising travel insurance as their main priority when
planning a holiday compared to just 33 per cent of men. Only 18 per cent of
women are likely to travel uninsured for a one-week holiday in Europe,
compared to 27 per cent of men.

Men also display a distinct lack of planning in other areas with 12 per cent
likely to travel without the relevant vaccinations (compared to seven per
cent for women) and 17 per cent unlikely to travel with back up funds in
case of an emergency (compared to 10 per of women).

One thing seems to be for sure though, when it comes to insurance policy
details both sexes are left equally clueless. Almost half of holidaymakers
do not know the specifics of their travel insurance or what it includes
under medical cover, loss/theft and personal injury. A further 51 per cent
do not know what activities they are covered for with many unsure whether
they are covered for adventure/winter sports.

Hugh Stacey added: "It is just as important for holidaymakers to understand
their cover as it is to purchase travel insurance in the first place.

"That way they can ensure they are not unwittingly exposed to risks during
their holiday and have peace of mind that they are covered should something
happen."

The Post Office offers holidaymakers advice on buying and understanding
their travel insurance including don't feel pressured to buy insurance at
the time of booking your holiday. Remember - you are not legally obliged to
purchase your travel insurance as part of your holiday package so make sure
you take your time to shop around for your travel insurance.

If you are planning to take part in any sports or dangerous activities
always check the small print carefully. Not all policies will automatically
cover "hazardous activities or pursuits" such as skiing, surfing or hiring
motorbikes.

Remember to always read the small print. Find out exactly who in your group
is covered on your policy and for what your policy does and does not cover.
Also ensure that high-value items such as jewellery, mobile phones and
camera are covered on your policy. You may need to pay an extra premium to
increase your individual item cover.

When purchasing travel insurance, always disclose any pre-existing medical
conditions. Your insurance policy may be void if you fail to do so.
Check exactly how many children are included in a family policy. Some
insurers stop at two children, while others will accept four or even five on
family travel policies. The Post Office's Kids Go Free travel insurance
policy covers any number of dependent children under 18 travelling with a
named adult.