Millions of British holidaymakers could be leaving themselves exposed to huge medical bills abroad by making one common travel insurance mistake – failing to declare pre-existing health conditions.
Travel experts have warned that leaving information off a policy could result in claims being rejected, potentially leaving travellers to pay the costs themselves.
According to new figures released by Admiral, even relatively minor treatment overseas can prove expensive without valid cover.
READ MORE: Popular UK retailer announces major café shake-up across stores
- Advertisement -
In the US, a simple painkiller prescription could reportedly cost around £1,250, while stitches for a cut may reach £2,500.
Elsewhere, stitches in Spain could cost around £750, while emergency medical repatriation back to the UK from France or Spain can exceed £7,000.
The figures also show how costs can rapidly escalate for more serious emergencies.
A heart attack or bypass procedure could reportedly cost around £150,000 in the US, £38,000 in Spain and £40,000 in Thailand if travellers are left uninsured or underinsured.
Meanwhile, escorted repatriation flights back to Britain could cost around £37,000 from the United States and £20,000 from Thailand.
- Advertisement -
The warning comes after research suggested nearly six million Brits have intentionally failed to declare a medical condition when taking out travel insurance.
At the same time, more than a quarter of people surveyed said they had previously experienced illness or a medical emergency while abroad.
Experts say confusion over what counts as a “pre-existing condition” is contributing to the problem.
- Advertisement -
Nearly a third of respondents said they would not think to declare GP-prescribed weight loss jabs, while others were unsure about antidepressants or ADHD medication.
Many travellers also mistakenly believe they only need to mention serious illnesses or conditions requiring ongoing treatment.
Cosmin Sarbu, Head of Travel Insurance at Admiral, said some people wrongly assume declaring conditions will automatically make insurance unaffordable.
He said: “Thinking it ‘won’t happen to me’ is a big risk.”
Sarbu added that failing to provide accurate information could invalidate policies or reduce payouts if travellers need treatment abroad.
The insurer said almost half of the travel claims it handles include a medical element.
READ MORE: ‘Extinct’ Choughs return to King Arthur’s castle for the first time in 100 years
