People are being urged to check their travel insurance policy before going on holiday, with the government launching a new campaign.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is trying to make sure travellers avoid invalidating their cover and put themselves at risk of a big bill.
The campaign’s advice includes declaring all pre-existing medical conditions before a trip, checking the insurance covers planned activities such as water sports, and checking that the length of the trip does not exceed any time limit in the insurance policy.
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Jennifer Anderson, the FCDO’s director of consular services, said: “By taking a few simple steps, travellers can avoid invalidating their insurance and save themselves thousands of pounds in medical bills should things go wrong.”
The price of surgery for a broken leg in the Canary Islands can be more than £10,000, the FCDO has warned, while an accident in Greece requiring surgery and flights back to the UK could result in a bill of £30,000.
The campaign’s key advice
- Declare all pre-existing medical conditions ahead of the trip
- Check the insurance covers planned holiday activities such as water sports
- Check the length of the trip does not exceed any time limit in the insurance policy
- Check the travel insurance includes medical evacuation cover
- Take a printed copy of the insurance policy away with you and save the insurance company’s 24/7 emergency contact number and their policy number on your phone
- Share the travel insurance policy details with travel companions and/or family in the UK
‘Really important’
The FCDO said it can provide support and assistance for British people who are hospitalised abroad, but cannot pay medical bills or for medical evacuation.
Anderson said arranging the correct travel insurance is “essential”, adding: “Having the travel insurance in place that meets your needs can make all the difference and allow you to relax and enjoy your holiday.”
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “If you’re going away on holiday this summer, it’s really important to take out travel insurance and make sure it provides the right cover for your trip – including the activities you’re planning, and any health conditions you may have.
“You can also insure for cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, but not all insurance covers this, so it’s vital to check the exact terms of your policy.”
‘Peace of mind’
Louise Clark, policy adviser at the Association of British Insurers, said: “Travel insurance can provide vital protection and peace of mind when holidaying abroad, especially against any costs involved with needing emergency medical treatment.
“It’s important to answer all questions fully and honestly when buying insurance to ensure you have the right cover in place, especially on any pre-existing medical conditions.
“Policies will vary, so understand what you will or won’t be covered for and buy the cover that most suits your needs – not just based on price.
“If you’re unsure about your cover or have any questions, please contact your insurer.”
Travellers are being reminded that the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or valid UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gets them state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
However, the GHIC and EHIC do not replace travel insurance and do not cover costs such as bringing the patient back to the UK or additional accommodation costs in-country. The FCDO said travellers should also remember that the level of free public healthcare can vary between countries, so British nationals may not have access to the same specialist treatment that they would at home.
Photo: FCDO