A recent report from ABTA – The Travel Association reveals that 25% of travelers went abroad in the past year without travel insurance. The report highlights that young travelers, particularly those aged 25-34, are the most likely to travel uninsured, with 41% admitting to at least one trip without coverage.

As the May half-term marks the beginning of the peak holiday season, ABTA warns travelers about the potentially expensive consequences of traveling without insurance. Those who fall ill or get injured abroad could face medical bills and repatriation costs amounting to tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds, with the average insurance claim estimated at £1,724 in 2023.

Travelers are urged to secure a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover specific activities and pre-existing medical conditions as soon as they book their trips. The leading reasons for traveling uninsured include the perception of being prepared to take risks (28%), reliance on a GHIC/EHIC card (25%), forgetfulness (17%), and disbelief in the importance of travel insurance (16%).

While GHIC/EHIC cards are beneficial for accessing state health care, they do not replace the comprehensive coverage offered by travel insurance, which is critical for covering unexpected medical costs, like the £20,000+ cost of emergency airlifts.

Mark Tanzer of ABTA states: “A dream holiday can quickly turn into a nightmare if you have an accident or are ill while away and don’t have travel insurance. We frequently hear of cases where individuals are left financially destitute due to their lack of coverage, often resorting to crowdfunding. That’s why it’s crucial to secure insurance as soon as flights are booked.”

Sarah Taylor, from the FCDO, adds: “Travel insurance is not just an optional extra – it’s a vital safeguard for Brits traveling abroad.”