Uninsured holidaymakers could face 'financial ruin' as medical costs soar

30 April 2024 , 08:30

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Holidaymakers are being urged to take out travel insurance (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Uninsured holidaymakers could face 'financial ruin' as emergency medical costs abroad skyrocket, according to travel experts.

Abta, the travel trade organisation, has issued a stark warning that medical expenses incurred overseas have "gone through the roof" in recent years. They highlighted data from Axa Assistance which reveals a steep rise in the cost of air ambulance flights back to the UK for those who become seriously ill or suffer major accidents while on holiday abroad.

C from the European Union have jumped from 15,000-20,000 euros (£12,800-£17,100) in 2019 to 25,000-30,000 euros (£21,300-£25,600) last year. Meanwhile, prices for flights from other global locations have more than doubled, increasing from 25,000-30,000 euros (£21,300-£25,600) to 75,000-85,000 euros (£64,000-£72,600).

Abta says that air ambulance fees and other medical charges should be included in comprehensive travel insurance policies. The organisation cautions travellers against relying solely on the general health insurance card, which only permits UK citizens to access state medical care within the European Union and a few other places, and does not extend to cover air ambulance services.

Graeme Buck, Abta's director of communications, said: "Every year we see very sad stories of uninsured people who have fallen ill or had an accident whilst overseas and are running up large medical bills. "They often resort to setting up a Go Fund Me page or similar, but they will now find they need to raise substantially more money, with air ambulance and other medical costs having gone through the roof."

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"It is simply not worth the risk of financial ruin simply to save a few pounds, so always take out travel insurance at the time of booking your holiday or other travel arrangements."

Jennifer Anderson, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's director for consular and crisis, stated: "Travelling without insurance can be expensive and distressing if things do go wrong when you are abroad. The good news is that purchasing the right travel insurance does not take long and could save you a lot of money and stress."

"I encourage anyone booking travel to make sure your travel insurance covers the places you visit, the duration of your visit and any planned activities, and do disclose any medical conditions so your cover remains valid."

Lawrence Matheson