Travel Insurance Provider Urges Holidaymakers to Beware Spiking Whilst Sunbathing

More than one-in-five women (21%) believe it would be easy for someone to spike their drink whilst they were sunbathing overseas, according to research from travel insurance provider, Europesure Travel Insurance.

The travel insurance specialist, which provides cover to residents of the UK, EU, EEA, Monaco and Gibraltar, found that the number of people believing spiking to be a potential risk whilst sunbathing was even higher in the potentially most at-risk group – the 18-24s (23%).

Regionally, 28% of Scots believe it would be easy to do, whilst the viewpoint was shared by a much lower 17% in Wales.

Worryingly, 17% of women also said they have fallen asleep in the sun – one scenario in which their drink could be spiked, either poolside or on the beach.

Europesure Travel Insurance wants to raise awareness of spiking, as it is one means through which holidaymakers can get into trouble whilst abroad.  It urges holidaymakers to think of taking a lidded drink container with them, to protect their drinks, or ensuring they never leave a drink unattended in a public place, either whilst dozing behind the shades or taking a swim.

It also says drinks should never be accepted from strangers and that, alongside spiking cautions, holidaymakers should be careful not to flash cash or valuables.

Focusing on the issue of spiking can be highly advisable when travelling. Both drinks and food can be spiked to make a robbery or a sexual assault easier to carry out and both men and women can be targets.  In Spain, there have also been incidents of needle spiking, where a passer-by has injected a swift dose of an incapacitating substance into someone. 

Tourists and travellers are often selected because they are not as familiar with their surroundings as locals and also often easy to identify by those seeking to steal attractive items such as money, credit cards, passports and other valuables.

Having food or drink spiked may, however, not just result in theft but also injury and illness, requiring potential medical treatment overseas.  Potentially, it could also result in the trauma of sexual assault.

Anyone suspecting they have been spiked should try to gain the help of someone they trust or call for help straight away. They should not accept help or lifts from untrusted third parties.

Before going away, holidaymakers should check the drugs and alcohol exclusions on their policy and be aware that getting into trouble under the influence of either could well invalidate their cover.   If spiking and a third party’s actions are involved, they should make sure they report it to the police, which will then help with any later insurance claim.

Europesure Travel Insurance’s Sales & Marketing Director, Paul O’Sullivan, says, “Unfortunately, spiking is part of the world we live in and something often targeted at the younger generation, although not exclusively.  Taking care over drinks – and also food – is a key part of staying safe and, whilst young people may well do that when in a club, bar or restaurant, they may forget to do so by a pool or on the beach.  

“Also remember that, whilst we live in an Instagram world where many like to show off their watches, jewellery, phones and other possessions, doing that abroad can be asking for trouble.  Remain as understated as you can be as a tourist and try to blend in as much as possible, particularly when venturing into town and city centres and beyond your hotel or accommodation.”

Europesure Travel Insurance provides UK and European residents with both single trip and annual multi-trip insurance policies, with an option of three levels of cover for both and a variety of optional add-ons.  It has an extensive list of medical conditions and sporting activities that it will cover as standard and is an insurance provider with policies backed by the highly respected Lloyds of London.

Head to www.europesuretravelinsurance.com for more information.

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Editors notes

Europesure Travel Insurance is a respected travel insurance provider, offering a range of travel covers to residents of the UK, EU, EEA, Monaco and Gibraltar. With the added peace of mind of having policies backed by Lloyds of London, holidaymakers and travellers can gain peace of mind of knowing their cover will be comprehensive and ready to step in, to offer whatever level of protection was selected, in line with the policy wording and terms and conditions.