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by Sam Leaver
-10 April 2020
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Everything you need to know about medical treatment abroad
If you have an accident or feel unwell whilst you are on holiday you may need to seek medical advice or treatment.
The average Travel Insurance claim for medical treatment abroad is £1,368 however this can easily run into tens of thousands.
Having Travel Insurance can cover you against the cost of your medical treatment abroad including repatriation to the UK if you are not well enough to travel on your scheduled flight home.
What should I do if I require emergency medical treatment whilst on holiday?
If you are well enough you should contact the insurer’s medical assistance line for the best advice. The team will be able to advise you on the best medical centre to visit for your given circumstances.
If this is not possible you should seek medical treatment and then contact the medical assistance at the first opportunity.
The medical assistance number can be found on your policy schedule and in the policy wording, login to your customer account to familiarise yourself with these documents.
What should I do if I lose my medication on holiday?
If you have a pre-existing medical condition you should try to take a copy of your prescription so you can seek a replacement in the event that you lose your medication whilst on holiday.
If it is not possible to take a copy of your prescription make a note of the medication along with the brand name and your dosage, this should help the pharmacist source a suitable replacement.
How do I claim for medical treatment abroad?
If you have received medical treatment abroad you will need to contact your travel insurer’s claims helpline for the best advice and next steps.
Make sure you keep a copy of any receipts and medical forms as these may be required as proof of payment when trying to obtain your refund.
Will I be covered with my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
An EHIC will provide you with access to free or discounted medical treatment in state-run hospitals in any EU country.
The EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance and state care is not always the same as what we would expect in the UK. Not all medical treatment will be covered under the EHIC and it will never cover the cost of repatriation back to the UK.
Find out more about the EHIC here.
How much does medical treatment abroad cost?
Without Travel Insurance the cost of medical treatment abroad can be staggering:
- 1 night stay on a hospital ward in Spain: £800
- 1 night stay in an intensive care unit in Spain: £1,200 – £1,500
- 1 night stay in an intensive care unit in USA: £5,000
- Angiogram in USA: £15,000 – £20,000
- Heart Bypass operation in USA: £40,000 – £80,000
- Air Ambulance from Spain: £20,000 or the Canaries: £25,000
- Air Ambulance from USA/Mexico £60,000 – £100,000
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Insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
Compare up to 48 prices online in minutes with cover for hundreds pre-existing medical conditions including heart conditions, diabetes and cancer. Prefer to speak to someone?
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