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06 January 2015

Leading travel insurance provider AllClear reveals the United States is the most expensive place to fall ill

 

AllClear’s new data reveals the high cost of medical care in Brits’ favourite travel destinations: and it’s the United States, Spain and Greece leading the way.

 

    As British holiday makers look to book summer breaks, specialists AllClear show how expensive it can be to travel without cover.

    Greece and Cyprus among most expensive in Europe

    Portugal Europe’s cheapest place to fall ill

 

AllClear Travel Insurance, the specialist travel insurance provider for people with pre-existing medical conditions, reveals that some of our most popular holiday destinations are also the ones that will hurt holidaymaker’s pockets the most if they should fall sick while away.

 

The United States tops the league with a huge average medical insurance claim per person of £14,091*, almost £10,000 more than its closest rival, Spain (£4,845).

 

Southern European destinations visited by UK holidaymakers offer hugely expensive medical care: Greece has an average medical claim cost of - £4,773, Cyprus - £4,253 and Turkey - £4,108

 

The highest single claim recorded by AllClear is an extortionate £168,644. The claim was made in the US, and is one of four north American claims to exceed the £100,000 bracket.

 

The highest single claim in a European country was £69,009, in Greece.

 

Mike Rutherford, Chairman of AllClear, said it is vital to have proper holiday insurance in place:

 

“We know that there are individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions but take the risk of travelling without insurance.”

 

“The cost of an average premium (£250) pales into insignificance against the average cost of a claim.”

 

 

Average Claims League Table (AllClear data January 2015)

United States                       £14,091

Spain                                      £4,845

Greece                                   £4,773

Cyprus                                   £4,253

Turkey                                   £4,108

Italy                                        £2,676

France                                   £2,411

Portugal                                £1,732

Egypt                                      £542

 

Rutherford suggests people think their EHIC card will cover them if all else fails, but that is not the case. “It only entitles you to the same treatment given to those within the country of origin; if they pay, you pay too.”

 

 

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