Admiral warns of high European medical costs
Admiral Travel Insurance is encouraging travellers to seek out sufficient travel insurance coverage, and warns that the cost of medical treatment has risen sharply across Europe in recent years
The company noted that average medical treatment costs in Europe have increased by 21 per cent since 2018, primarily due to soaring inflation across the continent, as well as private clinics increasing charges following the coronavirus pandemic. Popular travel destinations such as France, Spain and Portugal were among the most expensive countries for treatment without insurance.
Admiral found that treatment for a broken leg costs an average of nearly £2,500, while being repatriated to the UK can cost around £6,000. The insurer also noted the case of one holidaymaker who received a £38,000 bill for emergency bypass surgery due to a heart attack in Spain.
The insurer also noted that 26 per cent of Britons risked not taking out sufficient travel insurance coverage due to a belief that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and new UK Global Healthcare Insurance Card (GHIC) provided sufficient medical coverage.
“Some holidaymakers are willing to risk travelling abroad without insurance to save money and think that the free Ehic or Ghic will cover them if they need medical attention while in Europe. While the Ehic or Ghic card does provide some protection and it’s a good idea to get one before you travel, relying on them for medical emergencies on holiday in the European Union is a risky move,” said Cosmin Sarbu, Head of Admiral Travel Insurance.
“As we reach the peak of the summer holiday season, it’s important that anyone making plans to travel abroad gets insurance before they travel. Common treatments such as an X-ray, stitches or for food poisoning cost hundreds of pounds in some European countries, while more serious illnesses or injuries such as a broken leg or a heart attack are among the most expensive to treat abroad and could cost thousands of pounds,” he added.
Admiral Travel Insurance launched its first internally underwritten and managed travel insurance product in 2018.