Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Before you travel abroad on a holiday or trip of any nature it is vital to make sure that you have travel insurance. It doesn’t matter where you are going or for how long, adequate medical and personal liability insurance cover is a necessity, not a luxury.

If you are unlucky enough to have an accident or fall ill whilst abroad it could cost you thousands of pounds if you are not properly insured. Amazingly, 15% of British people still risk going on holiday without travel insurance, which could result in financial ruin if they required medical treatment.

To be returned to the UK in an emergency could cost thousands of pounds, so it is vital to ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance for your trip. Although aEuropean Health Insurance Card can cover the cost of some medical treatment in EU countries, it will not cover the cost of returning you to the UK after an accident or medical emergency.

Typical Medical Costs Abroad

The figures below illustrate some of the costs which you could incur if you were to fall ill or have an accident abroad and were not covered by adequate travel insurance.

£30-35,000 Air ambulance (Jet) – East coast of USA
£12-16,000 Air ambulance (Jet) – Canaries
£10-12,000 Air ambulance (turbo-prop) – Balearics
£1,200-3,000 Air taxi (propeller driven light aircraft) – Northern France
£15-20,000 Scheduled flight, stretcher and Doctor escort – Australia
£9-12,000 Scheduled flight, seated club, with a nurse escort – West coast of USA
£1,800-4,000 Scheduled flight, seated economy with a Doctor escort – Mediterranean
£100-£800 Scheduled flight, seated economy without an escort – Mediterranean
Figures supplied by First Assist

All Travel Insurance is Not the Same

When buying your travel insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure the policy you buy provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake.

Carry your travel insurance documentation with you on holiday and keep the 24 hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number. Go Travel Insurance is a leading online travel insurance provider. Visit Go Travel Insurance for an instant quote for your next trip.