The summer holidays are almost upon us and hopefully the only things left on your to-do-list are buying sunscreen, summer clothes and packing your suitcases.
But there are 8.6 million people heading off on holiday who are yet to tick off a very important task - buying their travel insurance.
It was recently reported by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) that 38% (8.6m) of British holidaymakers could be putting themselves at risk of paying substantial medical or repatriation costs if they fall ill or hurt themselves whilst they are out of the country. The most popular destination for British tourists is Spain (including Canary Islands) and Spain is also one of the most expensive countries in the world to fall ill, twice as expensive as Italy or France.
According to ABTA, of those who have had to pay an additional cost on holiday due to being uninsured or not having the right cover, more than a third (34%) have had to spend between £500 and £4,000. But the fees can be much higher.
Examples of Association of British Insurers (ABI) Member Case Studies
- A 19-year-old travelling in Cambodia suffered a serious knee injury following an incident on a mountain bike. After being hospitalised, stabilised and then flown back to the UK, the claim cost £48,733.
- Two British tourists were struck by a drunk driver in America. Both required serious medical treatment and the claim cost £587,000 in total.
- Following a stroke on a cruise ship, a British holidaymaker was safely disembarked and then flown to America in an emergency air ambulance for surgery. In total the claim cost around £118,000.
- A British holidaymaker had to be repatriated from Spain for an urgent heart transplant, which would not be covered under the EHIC. This claim cost £76,528 in total.
The Foreign Office and ABTA have teamed up to encourage holidaymakers to take out travel insurance as soon as they book their holiday, making sure that the insurance covers any medical conditions or activities they plan to do. ABTA is also advising travellers to always keep a copy of the policy number and insurer’s contact details with them while they are away.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA said: “Millions of holidaymakers are heading off abroad each year either without the right travel insurance in place - or without any insurance at all. This leaves people at risk of having to pay significant medical costs or even facing delays in their treatment. Our message is clear - don’t take the risk, take out travel insurance and make sure it covers you for your circumstances and holiday plans.”
Julia Longbottom, Director of Consular Services at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “Most people enjoy trouble-free holidays overseas. However, I am concerned by these new figures showing that many British holidaymakers continue to travel without insurance. The risks are very clear. You could find yourself paying out thousands of pounds in medical bills if you don’t have insurance. It’s important to know the FCO cannot help fund medical bills if you or a family member are taken ill or hospitalised when abroad.
“Make sure you take out a travel insurance policy that meets your personal needs so you know you are covered should anything happen, and you can focus on having a relaxing holiday.”
Aaron Hackett from PayingTooMuch.com said: “We fully support ABTA and The Foreign Office with their campaign. We have heard many stories about travellers who think that they only need an EHIC for their trip to the EU, but this won’t give them all the cover they need, not to mention that there is no guarantee that the EHIC will continue after the UK leaves the EU in October 2019.
They are putting themselves at risk and in many cases, just for the sake of a few pounds. It is important for people to realise that they should book travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday and before you buy anything else for your trip like extra baggage or picking your seats. Holidaymakers should always carry a copy of their insurance policy on them. That way they’ll be able to contact their insurer quickly and without hassle, should they need to.”
Have you just booked a holiday and are looking for a suitable travel insurance policy to cover your trip? Call our travel insurance team on 01243 784000 and get covered. We can compare over 10 products from leading insurers, and all medical conditions are considered.
