Brits neglecting travel insurance

← Back

Tue, 06 Jun 2006

Many Brits are failing to purchase adequate Travel Insurance when taking a short-break.

This could mean that many holidaymakers are putting themselves at risk, according to research by Travel Insurance provider swiftcover.com.

It is estimated that 44 per cent of Brits have travelled overseas without arranging any form of travel insurance, with many holidaymakers assuming the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is sufficient.

One in eight travellers believes the EHIC provides access to the same benefits of travel insurance. However, this is not the case as it only provides limited access to emergency care and does not cover any private clinic treatment.

"It is staggering to see that such huge numbers of travellers place themselves at risk – be it within the UK or abroad," said swiftcover director Tina Shortle.

"It is all too easy to adopt an 'it’ll never happen to me' attitude, but accidents and ill health sadly do happen and the financial implications can be severe."

The cost of staying one night in a Spanish private clinic for a broken leg can cost £1,600, with an air ambulance from Spain to the UK costing more than £12,000 – meaning holidaymakers could be facing large debts because of their neglect to purchase travel insurance.


© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved.

Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting its web site at www.fsa.gov.uk/register.
Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.