Insurance experts recommend travellers get repatriation cover

An estimated 6,000 Britons die abroad each year in instances where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office help deal with legal issues surrounding the circumstances of death. Most recent available figures show Spain, Thailand and France are countries witnessing the most deaths of Britons – often places with high numbers of expatriate communities.

Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance said: “Repatriation cover is something many people may not consider when taking out insurance to relocate abroad or travel. We advise anyone planning to live overseas for extended periods to consider investing in a high-quality international health insurance plan to cover their medical needs.”

Pandemic a huge consideration when moving abroad

Industry insiders estimate £3,800 is the average cost of repatriation claims made to UK insurers, but individual cases can top £17,000. Funeral and memorial service fees must also be found by a loved one’s family in the event of death abroad.

Cronin added: “The pandemic has changed many things and it is a huge consideration when choosing to live abroad or travel and it is essential for people to protect their money.

“Not all policies offer the same levels of cover and many will have restrictions regarding coronavirus. To avoid the risk of claims being turned down, people may have to declare pre-existing medical conditions such as Covid-19.”