And finally…’too drunk and we won’t pay’, insurers warn Brits abroad

The service issued the caution as it released its latest complaints figures for the final three months of last year.

Nearly 900 travel insurance complaints were looked at over the period.

The FOS said a few claims it examined had been made after the insurer had decided someone’s drinking was a factor in an accident they had suffered while on holiday.

Some also related to specific types of activities such as winter sports or cruise breaks, which may not be included in a standard policy.

FOS chief ombudsman Caroline Wayman, said: “Insurers may choose not to pay out if they believe someone’s been drinking excessively, although this doesn’t mean holidays need to be totally alcohol-free.

“In each case we look at, we’ll carefully weigh up all the evidence to decide, on balance, whether the insurer has made the right call.”

A spokeswoman at the Association of British Insurers (ABI) said: “As with any insurance, customers do have a responsibility not to behave recklessly.”