AllClear study suggests that people with PEMCs feel discriminated against
Medical conditions – it’s not uncommon to have at least one, and yet 70 per cent of people with them looking to buy travel insurance feel that they are penalised for it
This is according to a new study by AllClear, which aims to inspire the industry to help more people understand the value and importance of travel insurance.
Following the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) reporting that one in five people (21 per cent) travel without insurance, AllClear reveals that while 66 per cent of people feel that their medical conditions do not affect their ability to travel, 75 per cent admit that their biggest concern is having a medical emergency while abroad.
“The main issue is that people do not realise the cost of medical emergencies abroad,” said Chris Rolland, AllClear CEO. “It is natural that people believe it won’t happen to them, but even the most well managed conditions need to be covered, in case the unexpected happens.”
AllClear details, for example, that when travelling in America – without a doubt the most expensive country in which to seek medical treatment – being treated for respiratory failure could cost between £350,000 and £400,000. And while countries such as France would set you back £500 to £1,000 for treating a heart attack or a stroke (assuming the EHIC is being used), even in destinations where the cost of living is much lower, like Thailand, treating a heart attack or a stroke would rack up £10,000 to £25,000.
And that’s not even taking into consideration the costs of emergency transportation and repatriation – an air ambulance in Peru can cost as much as £120,000.
Troublesome figures indeed. As Rolland rightly said: “The value of travel insurance is realised in the event of a claim and using a trusted supplier will ensure if the worst happens, the right support is in place.”