Brits could lose thousands of pounds on medical expenses while abroad (Image: Getty Images)
Holidaymakers could be at risk of losing over £150,000 if they don’t take certain precautions. The Foreign Office has issued official guidance advising Brits travelling abroad to secure travel insurance to cover potential medical costs.
This insurance should also cover any ongoing physical or mental health conditions and any activities you might engage in while on holiday. The Foreign Office warns that without the correct travel insurance, emergency expenses such as medical treatment will fall on the traveller.
It emphasises that medical costs without travel insurance in some countries could reach hundreds of thousands of pounds depending on the location. For instance, a broken leg requiring hospital treatment in Spain could cost upwards of £20,000.
Similarly, a simple stomach bug or infection treated in a US hospital with possible medical evacuation could exceed £150,000. The Foreign Office advises securing travel insurance as soon as a trip is booked.
However, it’s crucial to read the small print and understand any policy exclusions that could result in lack of coverage while on holiday.
It’s crucial to only secure travel insurance from a company endorsed by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The ABI, representing over 300 insurance firms, many of which offer specific coverage for short-term holidays abroad, strongly advises all Britons to get travel insurance.
This can cover a variety of issues, from lost luggage to potentially life-saving medical treatment that could otherwise be prohibitively expensive. The ABI’s official guidance states: “When shopping around for travel insurance, make sure that the policy is right for your needs, and do not automatically opt for the cheapest. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.”
It also recommends buying travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday, as it could cover costs that would otherwise be unrecoverable, such as if you need to cancel your trip due to illness.
Holidaymakers are also advised to purchase insurance before leaving the UK, as many travel insurance policies provide coverage from the moment you start your journey until you return to the UK. When on holiday, many people may choose to participate in certain activities that could increase their risk of needing medical treatment.
Therefore, when buying travel insurance, it’s vital that it covers costs for any injuries or illnesses resulting from these activities:
- Quad biking
- Canyoning
- Bungee jumping
- Rock Climbing
- Biking
- White/Black water rafting
- Paragliding
- Deep sea diving
- Surfing
- Water skiing
- Snowboarding
- Dog sledding
Some travel insurance policies may require you to choose specific cover add-ons for certain activities.