Be sure to keep an eye on your possessionson whilst on holiday this summer as research has shown that as many as one in eight Brits have suffered the loss or theft of their belongings while abroad in the last year.

With fun and relaxation the main priority on holiday, we often forget that displaying our pricey holiday possesions such as digital cameras or designer sunglasses makes the need for travel insurance also an essential holiday purchase. The research, from Moneysupermarket travel insurance, shows that personal possessions such as cameras, wallets, mobile phones, luggage and sunglasses are most commonly lost or stolen on holiday.

Director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, Richard Mason, commented... "With British travellers taking advantage of low cost flights and spending more time abroad, it's essential that you are covered for cancellation, losing cash, public liability and emergency medical treatment. If travellers don?t protect themselves before going away, their holiday could end up costing a lot more than they budgeted for."

Beware of the common practice with some travel insurance companies that if items covered by your home insurance, such as a digital camera, are lost, stolen or damaged whilst on holiday, you will be unable to claim for them on your travel insurance policy.

Travel policies can vary significantly with exclusions and limitations common. Like any type of insurance, read the small print and ensure your holiday belongings are covered. It's important to consider the specific items you want insurance for as well as the level of cover before shopping around for the best value policy.

Moneysupermarket travel insurance recommends a minimum of at least the following level of holiday cover:

• Medical expenses: £2 million


• Personal liability: £1 million


• Trip cancellation: £3,000


• Baggage: £1,500


• Cash: £250