Supermarkets selling travel insurance might appear to offer value for money, but cannot deliver sufficient advice or coverage, according to a market observer.

Peter Stubbs of World Travel Plan warns that leading high street retailers cannot deliver the specialised policies nor reliable guidance required by holidaymakers.

It is “the responsibility of travellers to ensure they are fully covered”, he cautions those who may be tempted by headline prices, forewarning consumers that supermarket staff processing travel insurance policies are not voiced in specific exclusions or conditions.

“You cannot expect a young person trained to deal with faulty goods and out-of-date milk in a supermarket to understand the nuances of travel insurance,” Mr Stubbs continued.

“They simply cannot give you the correct advice.”

Certain generic policies sold by retail giants exclude relatively common illnesses, which can be expensive to treat, particularly overseas. Supermarket providers are “not proactive” in advertising these omissions, he noted.

Mr Stubbs’ words echo sentiments made by Essential Travel earlier in the year, warning that supermarket cover is rarely comprehensive.