Medical expenses & travel insurance

Insurance for medical expenses covers you against the cost of treatment while you are on holiday abroad. Unless you already have private medical insurance which covers you worldwide, you should aim for minimum cover in a travel insurance policy of £1 million, although you will find that some insurers provide unlimited cover.

What is covered

You will be able to claim for bills for a stay in hospital , out-patient treatment, emergency dental treatment and consultations with a doctor, as well as the cost of prescriptions. You may also be able to claim a small daily allowance to cover incidental expenses – such as phone calls – while you are in hospital.
Because of the expense of treatment in some countries and the poor medical conditions in others, many insurance companies would rather you were treated in the UK so will pay to bring you back, by air ambulance if necessary. Many policies will also cover the costs of a close relative or friend staying behind with you, or travelling out, in order to look after you.
If you die abroad, the policy should cover burial or cremation costs in ‘a foreign field’ (including transporting your ashes home) or the cost of getting your body back to the UK – although there will be a limit.