A total of 25% of holidaymakers surveyed in May said they had travelled uninsured in the last year, up from 22% the previous year.

The trend was most pronounced in people aged 18-24 at 40% followed by 38% of those aged 25-34. This was a strong rise on the previous year whn both groups recorded 31%.

A total of 36% of those travelling uninsured said they thought they didn’t need it while 22% said it was a risk they were willing to take.

However, with travellers having to resort to crowd funding in the event of unexpected accidents, Abta is urging travellers not to take the risk.

Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Every year we see cases of people falling into difficulty due to travelling without insurance.

“Often their families have to raise thousands of pounds for their treatment or repatriation and that’s why it is so worrying to see an increase in younger people travelling without insurance.

“Rather than having to resort to the kindness of strangers, holidaymakers should make sure that they have the right insurance in place.

“I would urge all holidaymakers to make sure they take out an insurance policy this summer.”

Susan Crown, from the Travel Aware team at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, added:  “We want people to enjoy their holidays but our research shows young people are risking thousands of pounds in medical bills by travelling without an insurance policy that covers them for everything they want to do abroad.

“The FCO cannot pay medical bills if you are hospitalised abroad nor can we fly you home. Take out an appropriate insurance policy and make sure you know what it covers you for.

“It may feel like an added expense but it’s very worthwhile if you compare it to what you could end up paying if something goes wrong on holiday.”