The Foreign Office today announced that 43% of British travellers fail to take out adequate insurance, risking financial ruin.

James Richardson, Managing Director of leading independent online insurance provider, Insure & Go, acknowledges this alarming statistic, but states that a solution to curb this is available.

"Although the Government has just announced these figures, they are not new. Research carried out by Insure & Go last year revealed the same alarming trend. It is thought that these figures are due to the huge growth in the number of travellers taking advantage of low cost flights and late holiday deals. To provide a solution to this we launched a ground-breaking travel insurance package in April in the form of Scratch & Go cards, that provide travellers with comprehensive cover in minutes.

"Unlike conventional worldwide travel insurance, Scratch & Go cards provide quick and hassle free cover. The cards, which can be purchased from over 40 WH Smith airport stores, can be instantly activated. All that travellers need to do is scratch off the card's panel to reveal a validation code and then contact Insure & Go. Insurance cover is instant and the package is perfect for travellers who need to buy their travel insurance at the last minute".

About Insure & Go

• Insure & Go will reimburse travellers, up to the maximum limit specified in its Schedule of Cover for:
  • Additional travel and accommodation expenses necessary to continue the holiday
  • Relocation costs, if forced to as a result of a natural catastrophe including floods, storms, fire, lightening, explosion, earthquake, tempest, hurricane or major outbreak of infectious disease
• 'Kids go free' on all policies. Up to three children receive complete cover when travelling with one parent.Insure & Go policies can be sold to anyone up to the age of 69.
• A 24 hour help line is available to assist with any legal advice or medical assistance required.

About Scratch & Go

• Scratch & Go cards can be instantly activated via the Insure & Go phone lines, web site or with a WAP phone.
• Scratch & Go cards are available with eight levels of cover, ranging from 10 days European cover for one adult to annual worldwide family cover including wintersports.
• Scratch & Go cards offer competitive prices with some policies representing a saving of more than 50% on policies bought from high street travel agents.
• Scratch & Go cards are sold at WH Smiths' airport and railway stores, they come complete with easy to follow information advising travellers which policy is best for them and what is and what is not covered.