The true cost of splashing out on holiday?

Post Office Travel Insurance (www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1?catId=63300708&mediaId=19300208) has issued a warning based on research from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to tourists who are planning on hiring a jet ski or engaging in other water activities while holidaying - as these activities may not be covered by a standard travel insurance (www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1?catId=63300708&mediaId=19300208) policy.

Extreme sports are becoming increasingly popular, but many are excluded from standard travel insurance policies. Even water-based pastimes which may not, at first glance, seem to be 'extreme' or dangerous, such as rowing, snorkelling or canoeing, can be excluded on average levels of cheap travel insurance cover.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office said that although extreme sports travel insurance policies can have a larger premium, it is essential to have ample travel insurance cover before considering such activities - and the cost of your medical care can far outweigh the cost of extending your travel insurance cover.

Post Office Travel Insurance is advising travellers even considering any physical sport-based holiday activity to make sure they check their travel insurance policy carefully. Many travel insurance companies offer additional cover for specialist extreme sports, which give holidaymakers the freedom and flexibility to take part in almost any sport or activity while abroad.