What Travel Insurance Claims Reveal About the Real Cost of Getting Sick Abroad

When planning a holiday, most people think about the fun parts, right?

Choosing a destination, booking accommodation, and planning what to see and do.

Travel Insurance is often an afterthought.

But real claims data shows why it shouldn’t be.

Based on analysis of more than 20,000 travel insurance claims across over 150 countries, the biggest costs travellers face abroad are rarely lost luggage or delayed flights. Instead, it’s medical emergencies that can result in the most expensive claims.

Medical emergencies abroad can cost thousands

Across the claims analysed, the average medical claim for travellers under 65 was around £1,640.

For travellers aged over 65, that average rises significantly to over £4,000 per claim.

Medical treatment abroad can be far more expensive than people expect, particularly in destinations where healthcare costs are high or private treatment is required.

Even a relatively routine hospital visit or medical procedure overseas can quickly lead to bills worth several thousand pounds.

Healthcare costs vary depending on where you are

The cost of medical treatment abroad can vary dramatically depending on your destination.

Some of the highest average medical claims were seen in destinations such as:

• Canada, where medical claims averaged more than £9,000
• USA, where claims averaged nearly £7,000
• Turkey, where medical claims for older travellers exceeded £6,000

Even in popular European holiday destinations, medical treatment can still result in claims worth thousands of pounds.

This is why Travel Insurance is so important.

Cancellation claims can also be costly

Of course, medical emergencies abroad (and repatriation) aren’t the only financial risk when travelling.

The data also shows that cancelling a holiday can be expensive, with claims averaging:

• £849 for travellers under 65
• Over £1,200 for travellers aged 66+

Illness, injury, or unexpected circumstances before your trip can mean losing the cost of flights, accommodation and activities if you don’t have cancellation cover in place.

Travel Insurance helps protect the money you’ve spent on your holiday if something unexpected happens before you travel.

Lost luggage is frustrating, but it’s rarely the biggest cost

Lost or delayed luggage is often one of the most talked about travel problems, but the financial impact is usually much lower than other claims.

Across the claims analysed, baggage claims averaged around £185 for travellers under 65.

While still inconvenient, this highlights how the real financial risk when travelling often comes from medical treatment or cancellation, rather than lost belongings.

This is where our Smart Luggage policy could be useful, paying up to £550 straight into your bank if your luggage cannot be located after 48 hours – this acts as more of an inconvenience policy, to provide real-time financial assistance.

Why Travel Insurance matters

Unexpected situations can happen on any trip, whether you’re travelling across Europe or further afield.

Travel Insurance can help protect you against the financial impact of:

• Medical emergencies abroad
• Cancelling or cutting short your trip
• Lost or delayed luggage
• Emergency medical repatriation

Without Insurance, you could be left paying thousands of pounds in medical bills or lost holiday costs yourself.

Protect your trip before you travel

The best time to arrange Travel Insurance is as soon as you book your holiday. This ensures you’re covered if something unexpected happens before your trip, as well as while you’re away.

At Just Travel Cover, we compare travel insurance from a range of trusted insurers to help you find cover suited to your trip and personal circumstances, with cover avaialable up to 18 months in advance of your trip.

Because when you’re planning a holiday, the last thing you want to worry about is what might go wrong.

Remember, terms, conditions and exclusions apply and vary between insurer. All quotes subject to underwriting terms and acceptance.

Based on analysis of more than 20,000 claims across 150+ countries in 2024-2025. Data provided by Avid Insurance Services Ltd.