Travel insurance numbers 'dropped in 2009'

New research suggests that the number of Brits travelling abroad dropped by 16 per cent in 2009.

New research released today (June 8th) has revealed that the amount of people taking single trip travel away from the UK dropped significantly in 2009.

According to Defaqto, overseas travel by British residents fell by around 16 per cent last year as many opted to save rather than spend money during the recession.

This inevitably also led to a drop in the number of single insurance policies being taken out as holidaymakers decided to remain at home as opposed to jetting off to hotter climes. The trend of staying in Britain particularly affected the short-break market, Defaqto suggests, as families looked to limit their non-essential spending.

The amount of annual insurance policies being taken out also declined in number, despite providers now offering 9.5 per cent more packages than they did one year ago. There are now more than 1,000 travel insurance deals available to consumers in the UK, but some 50 per cent of all deals taken out are underwritten by the top five providers.

It is estimated that around 25,000 Brits will make the journey to South Africa in order to support England at this summer's World Cup finals.

By Joe Letts