Urgent travel insurance warning for britons after £30,000 tragedy

Britons have been hit with a stark warning for their holidays in 2019 - with the “risks” of “saying out thousands of pounds” extra during their vacation a blunt reality. Travel agents

association, ABTA, has called for the 8.6million travellers from the UK currently planning vacations without taking out travel insurance protection to sit up and take note. Previously,

Express.co.uk reported how insurance was advised when making holidays both in and outside the UK. Meanwhile, the medical bills of a family who headed to Jamaica without disclosing their full

medical history has also come to light, as well as that of a female traveller in a coma. In making their crystal clear warning about the “risk” of heading overseas without insurance, ABTA

cited the tragic example of a 30 year old from Swansea. The female nurse sadly passed away after suffering a heart attack while on holiday in Dubai. ABTA stated: “As she hadn’t taken out

travel insurance her family was left to pay £30,000 in medical and repatriation fees.” The hefty charge was levied, despite the unfortunate circumstance. And while it may appear rather grim

to contemplate, while a traveller is buzzing on holiday vibes, they claim it is very necessary. Mark Tanzer Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said: “Millions of holidaymakers

are heading off abroad each year either without the right travel insurance in place - or without any insurance at all. “This leaves people at risk of having to pay significant medical costs

or even facing delays in their treatment. “Our message is clear - don’t take the risk, take out travel insurance and make sure it covers you for your circumstances and holiday plans. “It’s

also really important holidaymakers carry a copy of their insurance on them at all times, as well as leaving a copy with family or friends back home. “That way they’ll be able to contact

their insurer quickly and without hassle, should they need to.” Julia Longbottom, Director of Consular of Services at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office added: “Most people enjoy

trouble-free holidays overseas. “However, I am concerned by these new figures showing that many British holidaymakers continue to travel without insurance. “The risks are very clear. You

could find yourself paying out thousands of pounds in medical bills if you don’t have insurance. “It’s important to know the FCO cannot help fund medical bills if you or a family member are

taken ill or hospitalised when abroad.” Meanwhile, money saving expert Martin Lewis has urged Britons to renew their EHIC card for travel in Europe as well as opt for travel insurance.