More than half of holiday makers from Oxfordshire never check their travel insurance before taking part in sports abroad, a survey claims.

Although 41 per cent of people have tried activities during their vacations, many risk paying huge medical bills if they have an accident.

A survey commissioned by insurer Primary Direct showed that 24 per cent of the county's holiday makers had tried cycling, 11 per cent had gone horse trekking, ten per cent had windsurfed and nine per cent had tried scuba diving while on their travels.

About 60 per cent failed to check whether their holiday insurance would pay out medical expenses incurred while enjoying these activities.

Primary Direct spokesman Tim Berry said: "These sports are part and parcel of many holidays these days.

"It really puts paid to the theory that holiday Brits are only concerned about bagging the best sunbed by the pool and lapping up the sun."

He said without the correct holiday cover, many injuries can cost hundred of pounds abroad and warned people to check the small print of any insurance they buy.