Football fans travelling to Rome to see Manchester United play in the Champions League Final this week could be scoring an own goal if they go without travel insurance, Direct Line has warned.

Direct Line has voiced concerns that many fans will be travelling to the final without travel insurance, potentially putting their trip and their health at risk.

A whole host of things could go wrong on a trip like this, the insurer warns, such as losing the tickets, cancelled or delayed flights, lost luggage, personal accidents, or having a camera stolen while sightseeing in Rome.

If something happened which required medical attention, a European Health Insurance Card will provide basic health care. But, if a fan required repatriation to the UK, an air ambulance from Rome could cost as much as £16,875, Direct Line has found, which is a high price to pay compared to the price of a travel insurance policy.

“While it is easy to get excited about the final, fans should prepare adequately for an overseas trip,” urges Chris Price, head of Direct Line travel insurance.

“They should ensure they have the right travel insurance in place to cover them for incidents which may occur while away including medical emergencies, loss of passports, legal assistance and trip cancellation which can be very costly and inconvenient at the best of times.”

To try and avoid any expensive incidents occurring whilst away, Direct Line encourages football fans to take some precautions, such as not drinking too much which can invalidate insurance policies, and keeping an eye on their belongings as pickpockets will be out in force.

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