Barclaycard, the UK's largest credit card provider, is introducing free worldwide travel insurance for UK customers. The insurance provides cover for parties of up to six people and includes winter sports cover. The free travel insurance became available from September 1 2005.

However, to qualify for free travel insurance, customers must book their holiday through the Barclaycard Travel Service. Although the facility does provide a 5% discount off the prices from over 120 participating operators, including Kuoni, Virgin Holidays, Thomas Cook, P&O Cruises and British Airways Holidays.

In addition, there is no 2% credit card surcharge applied to holidays booked via the travel service and paid for with a Barclaycard.

Promoting the new deal, Barclaycard Consumer Affairs director Mark Gonnella said: Barclaycard holders can save hundreds of pounds with the introduction of free travel insurance and with the discounts available from the Barclaycard Travel Service. Barclaycard also provide a free emergency card replacement and cash advance service, so cardholders know they can travel in confidence.