Some single parent families may not be fully covered by all family travel insurance, according to the latest study.

American Express Travel Insurance is warning travellers to check their policy before they set off on holiday because the term 'family' means different things to different insurers.

Research into over 400 travel insurance policies found the small print revealed many did not cover separated, divorced or single parent families and some changed depending on whether the child normally lived with one parent but was going on holiday with the other.

Joanne Field, marketing manger, American Express Travel Insurance said: "It is concerning that not all insurers are recognising or reflecting in their policies the changing nature of families in the 21st Century.

"Travelling abroad with children can be stressful and worrying, however the best way to ease anxiety is a comprehensive insurance policy."