Cost for treating a common cold abroad? Over £230...
Did you know that even medical treatment for simple problems could cost a huge amount more abroad than it does in the UK? According to our latest research, something as common as ear pain from swimming could cost as much as £285, whilst a bite or a sting from a sea creature could be another £260.
Many people believe the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaced the E111 form a few years ago, will get them free treatment and medication abroad. Unfortunately it doesn’t work like that – the EHIC only entitles you to medical treatment at the same cost as a local resident, which is rarely free, and does not cover repatriation or private treatment. Therefore, without travel insurance to complement the EHIC you could end up with a massive medical bill if you do fall ill abroad. We’re not just talking about €20 here and €40 there; it could cost hundreds, thousands or in some serious cases even millions of pounds.
Illnesses or problems which can ordinarily be treated with over the counter medication for under £10 in the UK may require a doctor’s appointment and a costly prescription in another country. Even the simplest problems can see medical attention run into hundreds of pounds, such as conjunctivitis costing over £180.
Whether you’re planning a trip abroad for business or pleasure, make sure you read the terms and conditions of the travel policy you intend to purchase before you part with any cash. What appears to be a bargain purchase may contain some unwelcome surprises, such as £200 policy excess.
People who take mild medications with them on holiday for pre-existing medical conditions such as migraines or hay fever should be extra careful. If they forget to pack them it could be a very costly mistake as medical costs incurred for pre-existing conditions are not always covered by travel insurers. For example, asthma sufferers should ensure they pack a duplicate prescription and keep it separately in case the original is lost or mislaid. A replacement prescription could cost as much as £950.
A bit of pre-planning and careful packing should help avoid spending half your holiday budget on hay fever or asthma medication, or even simple painkillers. But accidents and illness can occur even on holiday, and it’s always best to be prepared and protected by a good travel insurance policy to avoid being left out of pocket.
Mondial Assistance - The Travel Insurance that wants to help
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