A major concern is medical evacuation. In cases involving serious illness or injury. Photo credit: gpointstudio/Shutterstock
As many of us are preparing for our summer trips abroad, there is one thing many of us tend to brush off. Travel insurance is often viewed as an optional extra when booking a holiday. However, figures from the insurance industry show that becoming ill overseas can leave travellers facing bills running into thousands, and sometimes tens of thousands, of pounds.
Data published by Spain’s insurance association, UNESPA, highlights the financial consequences of medical emergencies abroad. The organisation reported cases where travel insurers paid more than €113,000 for treatment in Malawi and more than €21,000 in the United States, illustrating how quickly costs can escalate when serious illness strikes overseas.
For British travellers, understanding healthcare costs before departure is essential. While some countries offer access to state healthcare through the UK’s Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), others require visitors to cover the full cost of treatment themselves.
Spain
Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. Travellers carrying a valid GHIC can access medically necessary treatment through the Spanish public healthcare system under the same conditions as Spanish residents.
However, the card does not cover every situation. Private healthcare, mountain rescue, repatriation to the UK and certain additional expenses are excluded.
For those requiring treatment in a private facility, costs can mount quickly. A consultation with a private doctor may cost between €50 and €250, while an emergency department visit can range from around €100 to €500. Hospital stays frequently cost several hundred euros per day and can exceed €2,000 daily for specialist treatment.
The greatest financial risk often comes from medical repatriation. Returning a seriously ill patient to the UK with medical supervision can cost many thousands of pounds.
Portugal
In Portugal the country operates a public healthcare system (SNS), and UK travellers with a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can access medically necessary treatment in state hospitals on the same basis as local residents.
In practice, emergency treatment in Portugal is generally of a good standard, particularly in larger cities such as Lisbon, Porto and Faro. Hospitals are modern, and medical staff are experienced in treating international patients.
However, the GHIC does not cover private healthcare, which is commonly used by tourists seeking faster access to treatment. Private consultations typically cost between €50 and €120, while diagnostic tests such as scans or X-rays can range from around €100 to €300. Private hospital stays can cost several hundred euros per night, depending on the level of care required.
While overall healthcare costs in Portugal are typically lower than in non-EU destinations, expenses can still increase significantly in more serious cases.
Outside the EU
Outside the EU, including destinations such as Egypt, Morocco and Turkey. British travellers are generally responsible for the full cost of any medical treatment unless they have comprehensive travel insurance.
Morrocco
Morocco has become an increasingly popular destination among British tourists, particularly for city breaks and winter sunshine holidays. However, unlike Spain and France, it is not covered by the GHIC scheme.
Routine medical consultations are often cheaper than in many European countries. However, costs rise substantially when hospital treatment is required. Private hospitals may request proof of insurance or advance payment before providing non-emergency care.
The importance of adequate cover is reflected in the experiences of travellers themselves. Tomas Kirkeni, tells us how his choice made all the difference when he decided to get insurance before his trip.
“I got very sick three years ago in Morocco and had the best care only because of my insurance, I did, at the time, think I wouldn’t need it but im glad I made the right choice, the outcome could of been very different” he said.
A major concern is medical evacuation. In cases involving serious illness or injury, transferring a patient to another country for specialist treatment can cost many thousands of pounds.
United States
The United States still remains one of the most expensive places in the world to require medical treatment.
British travellers have no access to subsidised healthcare and are responsible for the full cost of care unless covered by insurance. An emergency room visit can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars before treatment even begins. Hospital stays routinely cost several thousand dollars per day, while surgery and specialist treatment can produce bills reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
According to UNESPA data, insurers have paid claims of more than €21,000 relating to a ‘‘mild’’ medical incidents in the United States. In severe cases, the total cost can be far higher.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office consistently advises travellers to obtain comprehensive insurance before visiting the country because of the potential cost of healthcare.
Travel Insurance Questions Answered
Does a GHIC replace travel insurance?
No. A GHIC allows British travellers to access medically necessary state healthcare in participating countries on the same basis as local residents. However, it does not cover everything. Private medical treatment, mountain rescue, repatriation to the UK, lost luggage, theft and travel disruption are not included.
Will travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Many insurers do provide cover for pre-existing medical conditions, but travellers must declare these conditions when purchasing a policy. Failure to disclose relevant medical information could invalidate a claim. Premiums may be higher depending on the condition and the level of risk involved.
What should I do if I need medical treatment abroad?
Contact your travel insurer as soon as possible, particularly if treatment involves a hospital stay or specialist care. Insurers often have emergency assistance teams that can direct travellers to approved medical facilities and help coordinate treatment. Following your insurer’s guidance can also help avoid unexpected costs and complications when making a claim.
Travel Insurance Remains Vital
Medical emergencies abroad are impossible to predict, but the financial consequences can be severe. While Spain and Portugal offer some protection through reciprocal healthcare arrangements, travellers can still face costs for private treatment, medication and repatriation. In Morocco, visitors are generally responsible for their medical expenses, while in the United States even relatively minor treatment can result in substantial bills.
Travel adviser Darren Miller says that many holidaymakers misunderstand what the GHIC actually provides. Speaking to EWN, he explained:
“People forget that a GHIC just allows you to be treated as a local would, but travel insurance covers much more, including lost baggage and theft, and can allow access to private hospitals,” he said.
Miller also added that travellers should familiarise themselves with their insurer’s procedures before departure.
“If anything does happen, I recommend people make sure they use the right places and follow their insurer’s guidance, as this can make the process much smoother when seeking treatment abroad.”
However, some travellers argue that obtaining suitable cover can be challenging especially after a certain age or particularly for those with existing health conditions.
Tony Brice explains shares his thoughts as an over 70’s traveller coming to Spain for the first time : “I wish the insurance companies would find a better way of handling medical pre-existing conditions. If you mention you have a health issue it makes applying for insurance a lot more harder, It shouldn’t be that way”
Consumer groups have long highlighted concerns that travellers with medical conditions can face higher premiums or more limited cover options than those without existing health issues. For British holidaymakers, travel insurance remains one of the most important purchases made before departure. While many people focus on the cost of a policy, experts say the potential financial consequences of travelling without adequate cover can be far greater than the price of the insurance itself.
