Travel insurance helps over 4,300 holiday makers every week

In 2013 over 4,300 holiday makers every week depend on the safety net travel insurance provides in paying for emergency medical treatment at a cost on average of £930 per claim, according to data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Yet nearly a quarter of all travellers risk travelling abroad uninsured.
 
Aidan Kerr, Head of Travel Insurance at the ABI said: “No one expects to go holiday and have to make a claim on their travel insurance. However, unfortunately for many travellers, having something go wrong can be a very real experience. It can be especially traumatic when you or someone you are travelling with is taken ill or injured. Travel insurers pay out an average of £4 million every week to help to ease the stress and cushion the blow when there is a medical emergency abroad.”
 
The ABI’s top tips when travelling abroad:

When travelling in Europe, make sure you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This is not a substitute for travel insurance, but it is free and allows you to receive emergency treatment from public hospitals across Europe.

When taking out a policy, shop around for the best deal but don’t buy a policy based on price alone – the cheapest policy may not cover all of your needs.

Holidays are fun and relaxing but you should act responsibly and remain vigilant. Some insurance policies might not cover dangerous or risky behavior.

Check the ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign website gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo which provides valuable advice to travellers.