AmEx: Travel insurance and medical insurance essential

Thu, 22 Dec 2005

Many British holidaymakers leave for foreign shores without adequate travel insurance and medical insurance and risk their financial wellbeing in the process, according to a leading insurance company.

American Express Travel Insurance found that almost three million travellers went abroad last year without taking out travel insurance and medical insurance.

More than half of the 10,000 respondents in the insurance company's Holiday Habits survey suffered stomach problems on overseas holidays. Five per cent spent some time in hospital while they were on vacation.

"Apart from skiing in Europe, Britons tend to travel further afield at this time of year to find the sun," says Joanne Field, the marketing manager at the insurance company.

"Without good travel insurance, literally millions are at risk from expensive medical bills."

Those going skiing in America might face medical bills of up to £25,000 if they suffer a broken leg, American Express Travel Insurance points out.

Medical treatment in winter sun and safari destinations could also cost travellers dearly if they have no travel insurance or medical insurance. The insurance company found that a Caribbean hospital claim last year averaged £1,703.

"Travel insurance is an essential part of holiday pricing and not a luxury extra to be ignored," says Ms Field.

"We would encourage everyone to travel with comprehensive emergency medical cover which a good travel insurance policy provides."

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