Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
21 July 2014 09:04
The average holidaymaker medical claim now costs around £900, research shows
The average medical claim for a Briton who falls ill abroad is more than £900, figures show.
This figure is almost double of that seen a decade ago, while for a traveller aged 65 or older it is even higher - claiming just under £1,000 to cover medical bills.
The survey shows that heart-related conditions are number five in the top 10 reasons for medical claims - but people travelling with heart conditions and other ongoing medical problems can arrange pre-existing medical travel insurance.
But despite these figures, six million British holidaymakers are still travelling without arranging travel insurance, research shows.
Spain, Egypt and Turkey are the most likely destinations where a claim occurs, while the highest bills for medical treatment come from the US and Canada.
Tourists are being warned that the cost of treating everyday illnesses, such as stomach bugs and trips and falls, are likely to leave them shocked and it's not just serious health problems that need cover.
Gastroenteritis, usually thought to be a 24-hour annoyance, was found to be the most common medical condition that led to a claim, with symptoms including dehydration that can mean a trip to the hospital is in order.
The analysis of claims in the past year by Debenhams travel insurance shows t he average non-medical travel insurance claim is just over £400 - less than half of that seen on medical claims.
TOP 10 REASONS FOR MEDICAL CLAIMS
1. Gastroenteritis (stomach bugs)
2. Injuries to knee and lower leg
3. Injuries to head
4. Ear infection
5. Heart related conditions
6. Chest infections
7. Skin problems (dermatitis, allergic reaction)
8. Injuries to the wrist and hand
9. Back pain and pelvic injuries
10. Animal or insect bite
22 June 2018
The number of older people diagnosed with cancer is set to increase dramatically over the next 20 years, according to experts.
[more...]
21 June 2018
Patients value their relationship with a GP more importantly than surgery opening times, according to new research.
Only 3% of patients with the most common type of pancreatic cancer are living more than five years after being diagnosed, new analysis has shown.
19 June 2018
An England fan has urged supporters back home to head to Russia and experience the warm welcome he's been enjoying from locals.
14 June 2018
A new, low-cost portable device to help protect communities in Columbia from contaminated water has been developed by British engineers.
12 June 2018
As we near the opening match of football's grandest celebration on Thursday, fans are beginning to arrive in enthusiastic droves in Moscow.
09 June 2018
Scientists are trialling blood tests to find out the risk expecting mothers have of delivering prematurely.
08 June 2018
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned holiday-goers that some commonly-prescribed medicines are "controlled drugs" in certain countries.
A new lung cancer drug which is said to stretch life expectancy by a year is being introduced to the NHS.
06 June 2018
As pollen counts hit their highest level this week, hay fever sufferers are likely to suffer.
05 June 2018
Care home demanded to make improvements amid "serious concerns"
30 May 2018
Academics have announced their plans to examine suicide risk in men, as well as the ways to reduce it.