James BryceBy Wendy Williams
ONE in five British holidaymakers are failing to take out travel insurance when they go abroad, in spite of numerous horror stories.
This puts them at a high risk of crippling medical bills.
And it has emerged that passengers to Spain – the number one destination for holidaying Brits – face the most expensive claims.
A new survey by ABTA has revealed that a staggering 20 per cent of British travellers do not take out insurance before going abroad.
Some 17 per cent of those questioned believe having a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides adequate coverage when travelling in Europe.
In fact, the card only gives access to basic state medical care, and will not cover repatriation costs if a holidaymaker needs to be flown home.
The survey claims that such a trip can cost more than 18,000 euros.
Similarly a fractured hip in Spain could actually set a holidaymaker back more than 23,000 euros.
Stuart Bensusan from insurance company Essential Travel insists the US, Spain, France and Bulgaria have the most expensive claims and is urging holidaymakers to make sure they are covered.
“Purchasing travel insurance can seem unappealing compared to buying those new travel speakers you’ve always wanted.
“But it pays to have travel insurance in the long run,” he explained.
