Agents urged to warn clients of 'eye-watering' medical bills abroad

Travel agents were urged at the Safer Tourism Foundation’s Traveller Safety Lab to ensure clients understand how costly medical care abroad can be if they don’t have the right insurance. Fraser Lyall of the Association of British Insurers said many travellers underestimate the expense of treatment and repatriation, particularly in high-cost destinations such as the US. He warned that cruises can become especially expensive without cover, noting repatriation from a cruise ship can reach “hundreds of thousands of pounds,” including scenarios involving a medical helicopter or private air ambulance. Kathy Atkinson said research suggests only 66% of travellers buy insurance, citing an “optimism bias” behind refusals. Examples from insurers also include travellers not declaring health conditions and running out of medication overseas.