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People planning to travel outside of western Europe have been advised that cover for medical expenses will be the most important aspect of their travel insurance.

Malcolm Tarling, a spokesman for the Association of British Insurers, said that different countries present different risks for travellers.

The potential of falling ill in Africa or Asia, for example, means that medical cover is important for these regions, while in America hospital treatment can be very costly.

'The further afield you travel – i.e. outside Western Europe – the more important medical expenses cover is…especially if travelling to Africa and Asia,' Mr Tarling said.

'And of course, with the danger of very expensive medical bills, having adequate medical expenses cover is vital when travelling to [the] USA.'

There are other issues to consider as well, the ABI spokesman said, such as the importance of insurance to cover possessions in destinations that are known to be targeted by pickpockets.

According to recent research by Sainsbury's Bank, more than 13m Brits will go on their summer holidays uninsured this year.

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