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With summer fast approaching, millions of Brits are likely daydreaming of sunbathing on a beach abroad.

They may want to buy a new swim suit for the occasion or perhaps could do with stocking up on suncream.

And whilst getting a new summer wardrobe or splurging through the holiday aisles at Boots are often part of the fun, sorting out travel insurance isn't so enjoyable.

It's something many of us forget until the day before our flight and knowing what to declare during the medical section can be pretty stressful.

Unfortunately it's an issue that could cost Brits abroad greatly, as they could be left unprotected by their travel insurance in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

A recent investigation by consumer rights site Which? revealed travel insurance customers faced harsh premiums when they suffered ailments - with failure to disclose such leaving you unprotected in the future.

Money Supermarket writer Kevin Pratt explained: "Medical costs abroad can be very expensive and without adequate insurance cover you could be left severely out of pocket."

But despite the costly consequences, a new survey by Medical Travel Compared found that most Brits don't feel the need to disclose illness to insurers unless they're currently taking medication for them, as revealed by Which?

In fact, only 20% of those surveyed understood the requirement to inform travel insurers about illnesses or disease diagnosed or treated within the past two years, even if relatively minor.

Medical conditions you must disclose

(Image: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire)

You must always disclose any conditions for which you're currently being treated or taking medication for, revealed Which?

There are also a number of pre-existing medical conditions that should be declared if they occurred within a certain time frame - typically within the last two years.

Some serious conditions however such as heart issues, respiratory illnesses and cancer must be acknowledged to insurers regardless of when treatment or diagnosis took place.

As Which? revealed, these medical conditions must be disclosed before purchase:

Type 2 Diabetes - if treatment or diagnosis is within two years

Diagnosed current pregnancy complications – relevant if you are currently suffering complications during pregnancy

Epilepsy – if a seizure resulted in medical intervention or treatment within the last two years

– if a seizure resulted in medical intervention or treatment within the last two years Asthma – if you ever suffered from any diagnosed respiratory condition

Parkinson’s Disease – if you have been diagnosed or treated for early onset Parkinson's within two years

Arthritis – if you have received diagnosis or treatment within two years for any diagnosed medical condition

High blood pressure – if you have ever suffered from a diagnosed circulatory condition

PTSD and depression – if you have ever suffered from diagnosed psychiatric or psychological conditions

IBS – if you have received diagnosis or treatment within two years for any diagnosed medical condition

Cancer – if you have ever suffered from any diagnosed cancerous conditions

The consumer rights group notes that this may vary from provider to provider, recommending customers always check the T&Cs thoroughly before taking out a policy - especially if you've been diagnosed with any of the above.