As summer 2023 gets underway, the importance of Travel Insurance was highlighted this week after the ABI published new data on last year’s claims.

With some jaw-dropping stats and record highs, it is essential to make sure you’re adequately covered so that you can remember your holiday for all the right reasons.

In 2022, insurers handled a claim every two minutes, with more than £350m paid out across 362,000 claims – that’s 230% more than in 2021!

Overall, the average claim was £973 which, was the highest on record, with most claims for cancelled holidays and medical emergencies while abroad.

The cost of medical treatment abroad has gone up drastically in recent years, and when it came to medical claims, the average claim cost was £1,750 – that’s 26% higher than it was pre-Covid and an eye-watering amount of money to have to shell out if you didn’t have appropriate insurance.

It may come as a surprise to know that there were more claims in Spain (20,000) than any other country in the world, although it is the UK’s most popular destination. Don’t forget claims can include costs for repatriation which is not covered on the EHIC/GHIC.

2022 Travel Insurance claims by numbers.

• Travel Insurance claims were up 148% on 2021 with a total of 362,000 claims made.
• Those claims paid out a total of £352 million: a leap of 230% on 2021’s figure of £107 million.
• The average Travel Insurance claim was £973, this was up 33% and the highest on record since the ABI started collecting data back in 2004.
• Claims costs vary by age too, with costs for those 36-40 at £571, rising to £1,950 for those aged 71-75.
• Medical Travel Insurance claims seen an increase of 235% with 112,000 medical claims paying out £19million up over 300% on 2021.
• Spain saw the greatest number of these medical claims with just over 20,000.
• The average emergency medical treatment was £1,750 another record high and up 26% on the previous year.

Jaw-dropping examples of Travel Insurance claims

Thailand

“A traveller visiting Thailand suffered a serious blood infection needing intensive medical treatment and an air ambulance back to the UK. The total bill was £250,000 paid by the travel insurer. “(ABI 2023)

Spain

“A holidaymaker in Spain needed private medical treatment for a kidney infection. This cost £15,000, covered by her travel insurance. “(ABI 2023)

Canary Islands

“A holidaymaker in the Canary Islands needing treatment for a lung condition had to be transferred from a state hospital covered by the GHIC to receive private medical treatment, followed by an air ambulance back to the UK. The total bill of £67,000 was again paid by the travel insurer.” (ABTA, May 2019)

France

“While the GHIC paid for 80% of the cost of treating injuries from a fall in France, this still left £16,000, including return to the UK on a stretcher. These costs were covered by the travel insurer.” (ABTA, May 2019)

Travel Insurance at Just Travel Cover

At Just Travel Cover we work with a panel of insurers allowing you to compare multiple insurers helping you save time. Most insurers offer three levels of cover – bronze, silver and gold and we provide cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions. Plus, there’s no upper age limit.

There is no set price for Travel Insurance as this is a tailored product to your individual circumstances. The cost can vary depending on the destination, medical conditions, age, and any activities you wish to partake in.

It is essential that when choosing the right Travel Insurance policy for you that you are covered for all pre-existing medical conditions and have the right limits/excess amounts for you. Each scheme can vary, and we advise to always check the policy wording for more information.