Cost of medical treatment abroad continues to rise

Latest figures demonstrate the potential value of travel insurance.

Travel Insurance News - 13/09/2010

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New figures have been released this week that highlight the importance of adequate travel insurance. According to the latest research, the cost for medical treatment abroad has continued to rise. Even the average prices of typical treatment show why it is so risky holidaying without appropriate cover.

According to figures just released by Sainsbury’s Finance, the average cost encountered by Brits falling ill and needing medical treatment abroad has gone up by 6.25 per cent from the previous year, to £2,040. The most expensive place to need in-patient treatment is the USA. The average hospital visit there was shown to cost £6,000, 10 per cent more, year-on-year.

The figures, based on the analysis of claims for travel insurance, also show Thailand as the next most-expensive, with an average hospital bill of £2,750. At £2,500, the Canary Islands came in at third place. The cheapest place was Bulgaria, where the average hospital visit tallied up at just £500. However, this was still five per cent more expensive than the year before.

Greece was the holiday destination featuring the highest number of travellers needing medical treatment. Turkey came next. These were followed by Spain’s Balearic Islands, which include Mallorca, Minorca and Ibiza. One of the most common causes of hospital stays in the summertime was gastroenteritis which, on average, resulted in a bill of £1,200. At £12,500 on average, heart attacks worked out as the most expensive.

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