Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
11 April 2013 09:30
Many British travellers are continuing to play down the financial risk of getting sick or injured when out of the country
Nearly a quarter of British tourists are leaving themselves open to "mortgage-sized" medical bills by failing to buy travel insurance before they venture abroad, a leading industry body has said. Despite the prospect of taking a serious financial hit, travellers are continuing to play down the risk of getting sick or injured when out of the country, according to a report by the Association of British Insurers.
At present travel insurers deal with almost 5,000 claims every week, paying out a total of £4.5 million. However, there remains widespread ignorance about coverage, with 16% mistakenly believing that the UK government will pay for all medical treatment when abroad. Almost half (46%) of those quizzed did not know that a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitled them to state-provided healthcare, while a further 56% were unaware the card needed to be renewed every five years.
While the EHIC covers the full cost of medical treatment, it may not cover everything that would be free on the NHS and will not cover the cost of medical repatriation back to the UK. ABI spokesperson Malcolm Tarling said medical travel insurance was not an option but a "must have" for travellers. "Falling ill while abroad has got to be the biggest fear of any traveller," he added. "Yet too many UK travellers are playing Russian roulette when travelling abroad by failing to protect themselves against mortgage-size expensive medical bills. In the USA for example minor operations can cost £20,000."
15 May 2019
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
[more...]
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.
03 May 2019
Why are there two bank holidays in May? Why do we celebrate May Day? These questions and more are answered in our look at the origins of the May bank holidays...
30 April 2019
Experience the magic of Matera! The 2019 European Capital of Culture, Southern Italy's famous ancient city of caves is the perfect place for a weekend away.
Get inspired for a last-minute getaway this bank holiday weekend! We explore five alternative European city break destinations perfect for a weekend away.
18 April 2019
How much do you know about Spain? Read up on some fascinating facts about Spain and learn more about magical mice, liquid gold and big pay-outs.
16 April 2019
Keen to see first-hand who gets crowned champions of Europe? Europe's biggest football match takes place in Madrid: here's your guide to everything you need to know.
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.