ABTA study shows many Britons are travelling without health insurance

A new survey by trade organisation the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has revealed that one in five UK holidaymakers are travelling while uninsured . The 2010 ABTA Consumer Trends survey found that 10 per cent of British holidaymakers are risking large medical bills for treatment when travelling abroad without proper insurance .

It was also shown that 17 per cent feel that taking out travel insurance was unimportant, while 16 per cent mistakenly think that the UK government will cover any medical expenses incurred when they are abroad.

Mike Monk, head of finance at ABTA, commented It is very worrying that one in five holidaymakers are going abroad without insurance and running the risk of substantial medical bills. Many of these believe incorrectly that the Foreign Office will pay their expenses. Saving the cost of travel insurance could prove a very false economy.

Lynda St Cooke, of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, also said We are worried that so many British travellers are going abroad without travel insurance. It is a false economy. We see many cases where holidaymakers are faced with bills of tens of thousands of pounds for medical treatment and repatriation. Getting comprehensive travel insurance means that whilst an accident may disrupt your holiday, it will not bankrupt you.