Mexico, USA and Barbados top the list for medical claim costs

Travel insurance medical claims from Mexico top the bill, according to Age Concern Travel Insurance claims data, with the average claim reaching £3,000.

The USA falls into the second spot with average claims topping £2,850 and Barbados in third place (£1,588). And whilst many would think European countries are a safer bet for lower travel insurance claims, it may come as a surprise that Malta and Cyprus fall into fourth and fifth place with claims averaging £1,261 and £1,135 respectively.

In contrast, Egypt tops the league of the least expensive travel claims, coming in at £160, closely followed by the former Yugoslavia where travel claims cost an average of £176. Norway is the only other country to see the average claim come in under £200 at £185.

Age Concern Insurance Services is urging everyone travelling abroad to make sure they take out adequate travel insurance policies to ensure that they don’t end up out of pocket should the worst occur.

Jeff Morris from Age Concern Insurance Services says: “Our claims data highlights just how expensive falling ill abroad can be. We’d like to remind people that they can protect themselves from these potential costs by taking out comprehensive travel cover - it provides financial security in case the holiday doesn’t go to plan for whatever reason.

“Our travel insurance offers cover tailored for the needs of older travellers. There are no upper age limits with Age Concern Travel Insurance and we aim to cover pre-existing medical conditions if possible. This will come as reassurance to the many older people who are well aware of the frustrations involved in obtaining cover.”

Age Concern’s top tips for staying healthy on holiday:

Before going away, research your destination for any pre-departure vaccinations you may need

Remember to pack any medication for pre-existing conditions in your hand luggage

To avoid getting deep vein thrombosis, wear DVT socks during long flights, move your feet around, take walks if possible and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic drinks

Make sure any meat and seafood you eat has been properly cooked and avoid food from stalls where the dishes may have been in the sun all day

Don’t drink the tap water without checking first that it is safe. Ice is often made from tap water too, so ask for your cold drinks without ice

Avoid extended periods of sunbathing especially during the hottest hours of the day. Always use a high factor sun block and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration

Always take a small but comprehensive first aid kit on holiday in case of minor emergencies

Take details of your travel insurance policy including the emergency helpline number in case you need to claim

All Age Concern insurance staff are trained to provide our customers with the best service. Age Concern Travel Insurance customers also have access to the Financial Ombudsman Scheme if policy disputes arise.

Profits generated by Age Concern Insurance Services go directly to Age Concern, raising additional funds for invaluable support services such as day centres, home visits and transportation as well as helping the charity to campaign for the well-being and rights of older people.

To find out more about Age Concern Travel Insurance visit ageconcern.org.uk/travel