Medical expenses cover "more important" for travel outside Western Europe

Date: 18/08/2008 15:20

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A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has said that medical expenses cover is more important for people who are travelling outside of Western Europe.

Malcolm Tarling said that with countries such as the USA, there is a danger of being landed with expensive medical bills if you require treatment while holidaying there.

According to figures from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office 1,591 Brits died in Spain between April 2006 and March 2007, with 2,032 also arrested there.

Statistically, UK citizens are more likely to die while in Thailand than anywhere else, according to the figures.

If you fall ill abroad and need to be flown back to the UK, it can cost thousands of pounds. An air ambulance from the east cost of the US back to the UK could cost up to £45,000 and a flight, stretcher and doctor from Australia could set you back between £15,000 and £20,000.

According to Defaqto, one in seven tourists go abroad without travel insurance. The organisation also estimates the average cost of single trip insurancefor one person travelling in Europe is around £16 for seven days and £20 for 17 days, the Independent claims.

InsureandGo offers great value travel insurance

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