Policies will mean customers of all ages will not have to pay in advance for medical expenses and claim the money back. The Co-op says that the average travel insurance claim amounts to £2,090 and that 26% of claimants have to borrow money to pay bills.

The Co-op says that another quarter have to raid savings and that 10% of claimants end up in debt before their insurer pays out.

The brand believes it has another selling point in that customers will have access to an online medical consultation with a General Medical Council (GMC) registered doctor 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from anywhere in the world using smart phone or other mobile device.

Users can also receive prescriptions, referrals and fit-for-work notes, avoiding the need to navigate unfamiliar health systems and overcome language barriers.

Mark Summerfield, Co-op Insurance chief executive, said: “This is an exciting time for the Co-op as we introduce travel insurance to our portfolio of products. Having recognised a gap in the market, we’ve worked with our members across the Co-op, to build a product which is fair, inclusive of all ages and medical conditions.

“Furthermore, we’re the first general insurer to pay medical expenses up front, ensuring that our customers are not left out of pocket at what can already be a stressful time.”