Declare all your medical conditions, warns the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It’s a topic we have covered extensively here at Travel Insurance Explained and with the cost of medical expenses abroad rising rapidly, it is more important than ever to make sure you do not invalidate your travel insurance.
But, from our experience, this is not the only thing catching holidaymakers out. Spontaneous moments can end up costing a pretty penny if you do not have the right travel insurance cover in place.
Research undertaken earlier this year by The Safer Tourism Foundation has shown a staggering 48%* of people are likely to take part in an activity they wouldn’t usually do at home. The Safer Tourism Foundation, who’s key aim is to keep people safe abroad, has rightly named this ‘The Holiday Head’.
Although stepping outside of our comfort zone can be exciting, many may not realise that taking part in spontaneous activities could invalidate their travel insurance. Generally, travel insurance will cover a number of activities as standard, however those that are deemed a little riskier may require you to pay an additional premium for cover.
With almost a quarter (23%) of those surveyed, by the charity, stating they would try water sports such as water skiing, wind or kite surfing, jet skiing, parasailing or scuba diving while on holiday, it highlights the importance of understanding the travel insurance cover you are buying.
If you were to sustain an injury while taking part in an activity that is not covered by your travel insurance, then you may be left to pay any costs. This can include medical costs and legal fees i.e. personal liability if someone was to get injured or pass away as a result of your actions.
It is worth mentioning that if you are travelling within the EU, you will be able to use your GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), formally known as the EHIC, to cover some medical costs. The GHIC will entitle you to receive the same medical treatment that is available to locals and is usually either free of charge or a reduced cost. The GHIC, however, does not cover repatriation back to the UK, and it goes without saying, associated legal cost such as personal liability will not be covered by the GHIC either.
It is worth noting, since 2018, the cost of an air ambulance has risen considerably. An air ambulance from Eastern Europe to the UK has risen by just over £10,000 and now costs, on average, £30,000. Whereas an air ambulance back to the UK from East Coast America has risen by a staggering £31,000 taking the repatriation costs to the six-figure mark. And these figures do not include any costs for medical treatment you may have already received.
So, what steps can you take to ensure you are not left facing these astronomically high costs on your next holiday?
- Ensure you check the activity cover on your policy and add on cover for anything that you will be participating in that is not covered as standard.
- Ask your travel insurer if it is possible to add activities onto the policy, and the best way to do this, while you are abroad, so you are covered for any spontaneous moments.
- Declare any existing medical conditions, no matter how small, to your travel insurer. Failing to declare your medical condition/s could mean you are left without cover should something happen while you are abroad and it is found to be related to an undeclared condition/s.
- Remember to update your travel insurer if there is a change to your health between buying your policy and your departure date.
- Always book your activities with a reputable company and ensure they have the correct insurance in place.
- Following on from the above, some companies may ask you sign a waiver relinquishing them of all responsibilities to third parties, should you have an accident. So never sign anything that you don’t fully understand, something written in a different language for example.
If you have any questions about travel insurance activity or medical cover please do not hesitate to get in touch: hello@travelinsuranceexplained.co.uk
*OnePoll conducted a survey on behalf of The Safer Tourism Foundation, of 2,000 UK residents who have been on holiday within the last year. The survey took place between the 27th March and 2nd April
Air Ambulance Costs: Tifgroup – 2018 figures, Collinson – 2024 figures