Money News

Travelling uninsured could cost Brits a packet

By Martin Fagan - news@consumerchoices.co.uk

Average cost of medical claims by Brits falling ill abroad hits £1,333.41, but is £4,725 in USA, says Sainsbury’s Travel.

The average medical claim made by Britons who fall ill or have an accident in a foreign country now stands at £1,333.41, according to Sainsbury's Travel Insurance.

An analysis of 2010 claims data from the provider found the most expensive country for medical attention in 2010 was the USA, with the average hospital visit costing its policy holders £4,725.

The cheapest country in which to require hospital treatment (of the top 10 most likely countries for a claim to originate) was Greece, with an average cost of £422. Spain was the country that had the highest incidences of holidaymakers seeking medical help, followed by Turkey and Greece.

The research also analysed the most common reasons for seeking medical assistance over 2010. Ear infection was amongst the most common ailment, with the average bill for in-patient treatment amounting to £320.

The most expensive hospital bills were for those unfortunate enough to suffer a heart attack abroad, resulting in medical expenses that averaged £8,147.

"When travelling abroad, it's vitally important for holidaymakers to protect themselves and their family, and the best peace of mind you can have is a good quality travel insurance policy,” said Scott Gorman, manager at Sainsbury's Travel Insurance.

“Simply having a European health insurance card - which is not an alternative to travel insurance - will only provide you with the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you're visiting.

“This means that should you require medical attention you may face huge medical bills, which is a concern, especially in countries such as the United States where the cost of medical treatment can be extortionate.”

One aspect of travel catastrophe rarely considered by uninsured holidaymakers is the cost of repatriation back to the UK from the country in which they fall ill. A recent survey by travel insurer AllClear discovered that the average cost for repatriating holidaymakers taken ill overseas had exceeded £25,000, with the average cost of repatriation from the USA, Canada or Caribbean being £30,000.