How many of us have paid hundreds, maybe thousands of pounds on a holiday and then decided holiday insurance isn't necessary? Probably more than you think.

How many of us have then read in the newspapers, online, or on TV that someone needs thousands of pounds to be flown home from abroad as they have had an accident and didn't take out insurance? Probably more than you think.

Isn't it time holiday insurance was made compulsory when travelling abroad?

Why isn't there a system in place whereby when you arrive at Customs and show your Passport/ID Card this then registers with a Travel Insurance database to show whether you have travel insurance or not.  If you do, on you go, if not, you are not allowed to travel.

The police can check in an instant if you have motor insurance so why not Customs with Travel Insurance?

This has to be a win:win situation.  Insurance companies will increase their turnover as more policies will be bought.  Nobody will be left in a situation whereby they are relying on family/friends/strangers to get them back home.

OK, this may mean a couple of extra minutes waiting at Customs but surely this has to be worth it.

Why has nothing been done about this in the past?  Perhaps now is the time.