The Travel Association – reveals that one in four people who went on an overseas holiday in the past year did so without travel insurance.
The figures show that young adults are the most likely to skip coverage. Around 41% of travellers aged 25 to 34 admitted they took at least one trip in the last 12 months without insurance.
As the May half-term kicks off the busy summer travel season, ABTA is urging holidaymakers not to take chances. The group warns that falling ill or getting injured abroad without insurance could lead to serious financial trouble. Medical treatment and emergency transport back to the UK can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds. In 2023, the average insurance claim was £1,724.
Without insurance, travellers may also lose their money if they have to cancel their holiday before departure due to illness, job loss, or other unforeseen issues.
To avoid these risks, ABTA recommends taking out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as a trip is booked. The policy should cover all planned activities and any pre-existing medical conditions.
When asked why they didn’t buy insurance, 28% of people said they were willing to take the risk. Another 25% believed their GHIC or EHIC card was enough. Some said they forgot (17%) or didn’t think insurance was important (16%).
ABTA reminded travellers that while a GHIC or EHIC card is useful for accessing basic state healthcare in Europe, it won’t pay for things like an air ambulance back to the UK, which can cost over £20,000.
ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer said, “A dream holiday can quickly turn into a nightmare if you have an accident or become ill abroad and don’t have insurance. Every year we hear stories of people who are left facing huge medical bills and even resort to crowdfunding to pay them. That’s why we always advise booking insurance right when you book your holiday.”
Sarah Taylor, Director of Consular and Crisis at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), added: “Every day, our teams see how emergencies abroad can cause stress and financial problems when travellers don’t have proper insurance. Travel insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential protection for anyone going abroad.”
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