Published 2 days ago • loading... • Updated 5 hours ago

Holidaymakers warned they could face £150,000 bills abroad over common mistake

New figures from Admiral reveal almost 6 million Brits have knowingly omitted a medical condition from their travel insurance. Cosmin Sarbu, head of travel insurance at Admiral, warned that failing to disclose information could invalidate policies, leaving travellers responsible for enormous medical bills.
Experts point to widespread confusion over what qualifies as a "pre-existing condition." Many travellers mistakenly believe only serious or ongoing issues require disclosure, while some omit information to keep cover affordable.
A heart attack or bypass in the US could cost around £150,000, with the same emergency costing £38,000 in Spain and £40,000 in Thailand. US stitches might set you back £2,500.
Escorted repatriation flights to the UK can exceed £7,000 from France or Spain, and reach £37,000 from the US. Nearly one third of respondents would not declare GP-prescribed weight loss medication, alongside uncertainty regarding ADHD medication.
With nearly half of the travel claims Admiral handles including a medical element, Sarbu emphasized the danger of complacency. "Thinking it 'won't happen to me' is a big risk," he noted, as more than a quarter of those surveyed experienced emergencies abroad.

Insights by Ground AI