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Few things can ruin a vacation faster than an unexpected visit to the hospital. Getting sick or injured abroad is unpredictable and can leave travelers with costly medical bills. If it’s a serious injury requiring medical evacuation to a specialized facility, costs can skyrocket into the tens of thousands of dollars.
The Unpredictability of Medical Emergencies Abroad
Nearly one in four Americans experience medical problems while traveling internationally. However, 52% still travel with an “it-won’t-happen-to-me attitude,” according to a 2023 survey sponsored by GeoBlue and conducted by Harris Poll. When asked how they plan to pay for medical treatment abroad, 46% of respondents said they plan to use their existing domestic health insurance plan, though this is not always possible. Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not cover medical expenses abroad, considering them out-of-network.
The Importance of Travel Insurance
For travelers who encounter the unexpected, travel insurance offers a safety net. For an average cost of $5 a day, travel insurance policies that include medical coverage will cover the costs of emergency medical visits, including transportation, urgent dental care, doctor and hospital visits, and medication.
To demonstrate the utility of travel insurance, U.K.-based medical insurance provider AllClear analyzed data from 2022 and 2023 to identify the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical emergency expense claims. It found that some of the most popular destinations also had the most travel insurance claims, particularly in Europe.
Key Findings from AllClear’s Analysis
Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at AllClear, explained that the rankings align with visitor numbers. For instance, Spain, which tops the list, is also one of the most visited countries worldwide. The analysis revealed that injury and fractures were the most common reasons for claims, followed by respiratory illnesses.
“These insights highlight the unpredictable nature of travel and the importance of being covered for any situation, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins in Athens or soaking up the sun on a Spanish beach,” Smith said.
Countries with the Most Medical Emergency Travel Insurance Claims
10. Thailand: Although Thailand ranked 10th for the most medical emergencies, it placed second for the highest claim costs in 2022 and 2023. The majority of claims in Thailand were for gastroenteritis, heart problems, and fractures.
9. Australia: Known for its beautiful beaches and heart-pumping adventures, Australia ranked ninth on AllClear’s list. The most common claims were for stroke, fractures, and injury.
8. Portugal: This Mediterranean destination saw frequent claims for kidney issues, injury, and pneumonia in 2022 and 2023.
7. France: With iconic landmarks like Paris and Bordeaux, France had claims mostly for fractures, respiratory illnesses, and accidents.
6. Egypt: Travelers to Egypt often sought medical attention for gastroenteritis problems, injury, and fractures.
5. The United States: The U.S. had the most expensive medical costs on AllClear’s rankings. Common claims were for respiratory illnesses, injury, and fractures.
4. Turkey: This transcontinental country had claims mostly for fractures, gastroenteritis issues, and injuries.
3. Cyprus: The island nation had claims for respiratory illnesses, injury, and ear, nose, and throat issues.
2. Greece: Injury claims were the most common for travelers to Greece.
1. Spain: Spain had the highest number of medical emergency expense claims, mostly due to respiratory issues, fractures, and injuries.
Global Impact on Travelers
The findings highlight the critical importance of travel insurance for international travelers. The unpredictable nature of medical emergencies abroad underscores the need for adequate coverage. Travelers to popular destinations, especially in Europe, should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance to avoid potentially crippling medical bills.
Implications for the Travel Industry
The travel industry must continue to educate travelers on the importance of travel insurance. Travel agencies, tour operators, and airlines can play a crucial role in promoting the benefits of travel insurance, ensuring that travelers are well-prepared for any eventuality. This proactive approach will enhance the travel experience, providing peace of mind and financial protection for travelers.
As international travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, the importance of travel insurance cannot be overstated. Whether exploring the beaches of Thailand, the cultural landmarks of France, or the historical sites of Egypt, travelers should prioritize their health and safety by investing in travel insurance. This small daily expense can save travelers from significant financial burdens, ensuring that their vacations remain enjoyable and stress-free.
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