Medical bills of as much as £250,000 can be incurred by travellers not taking out adequate insurance, Europ Assistance claims.
The insurance company has released details of its most expensive repatriations last year to illustrate the risks taken by people travelling abroad who do not take out cover.
- A heart attack victim brought home after spending two weeks in intensive care in Thailand – £30,000
- A client with a lung clot in Australia requiring a doctor and nurse escorted repatriation – £27,000
- A holidaymaker with two broken legs requiring a stretcher repatriation – £13,000
- A snowboarder requiring an air taxi from the Alps to Scotland – £13,000
- A stroke victim in Mauritius requiring a doctor to accompany them on their return flight – £9,700
Extreme or severe injuries or illness can lead to medical bills of up to £250,000 and without the right cover you will be liable to pay, the company claims. Europ Assistance handled more than 3,000 medical cases and 250 escorted repatriations last year, bringing sick and injured people home.
The company’s 11th Annual Travel Barometer found that 66% of Europeans planned holidays this year, an increase of 2% on 2010. Many will be using the internet to find the best deal, with the British the most likely to book online, according to the survey.
They are being reminded not to cut corners when choosing travel insurance as the ski and long-haul winter sun season starts.
Commercial director Peter Dingle said: “These figures highlight the importance of comprehensive travel insurance whilst you are abroad. Choosing the right policy is essential to avoid racking up huge medical bills.”