Does travel insurance cover the cost of overseas medical treatment?
Last year, the number of travel insurance claims increased to 362,000, up by 148% from 2021.1 Since 2021, claims for cancellations rose by 75% and claims for medical treatment significantly increased by 235%.2
If you’re travelling abroad, travel insurance can cover you for unexpected events such as medical emergencies, cancelled or delayed flights, theft of belongings, natural disasters, and evacuation.
Does travel insurance cover personal injury?
Depending on the type of policy, travel insurance can cover personal injuries. Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) can provide access to lower rate or fee-free state and emergency healthcare in EU countries. But if you need mountain rescue, medical repatriation, or private treatment, the GHIC and EHIC will not cover you.
If you or a family member need medical treatment whilst travelling in the US, travel insurance (depending on the policy) can cover the cost of private healthcare, including transport to medical centres. When the cost of an ambulance is $400 to $1,200, and a doctor’s visit is $200 to $300, travel insurance can be a vital safety net.3
Emergency medical treatment in some countries can be extremely expensive. For example, one insurer paid £250,000 after a traveller in Thailand needed emergency treatment for a serious blood infection and was flown back to the UK by air ambulance.4
What other benefits can travel insurance provide?
Travel insurance can cover you for other emergencies that could disrupt your holiday, including theft, cancellations, and lost luggage. It can insure you for delayed flights or travel disruptions, paying for a place to stay, and alternative flights to return home.
We offer travel insurance which can include:
- Choice between an Annual or Single trip policy
- Emergency Medical expenses: choose from £5 million up to £15 million per person
- Personal belongings: choose from £750 up to £3,000 per person
- Cancellation or curtailment: choose from £1,500 up to £7,500 per person
- Cover for missed or delayed departures
- Optional cover available for sports, activities and cruises
Do travel insurance companies cover pre-existing medical conditions?
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may still be able to get cover through our online option, depending on the nature of the condition. However, if you have any issues please contact us on 01823 250739 as we do have alternative solutions.
Check the status of your destination!
We advise you check the current regulations of the country you’re planning to visit. You won’t be covered if you book a trip or travel to a country or area against the advice of the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) or any other equivalent regulatory body.
Cover for cancellation costs, travel disruption because of COVID-19, and other events is not included if you are travelling to a destination against advice from the FCDO or any other equivalent government body.
GOV.UK provides a list of countries which gives information on factors that could affect your visit, including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and Covid-19 rules.
To discuss cover for an upcoming trip overseas, please call our team on 01823 250739.
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3. https://visaguide.world/international-health-insurance/us/healthcare-costs-visitors-expats/
Lloyd & Whyte Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No. 03686765. Registered Office: Affinity House, Bindon Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AA. Calls may be recorded for use in quality management, training and customer support.
