How Much Medical Travel Insurance Do I Need? A Guide to Costs & Repatriation
Sarah Findlay is an established travel writer with extensive experience in travel related topics, specialising in travel insurance and the key considerations affecting UK travellers overseas.
Read time: 5 minutes
When you look at a travel insurance policy, the numbers can feel a bit overwhelming. You might see figures like £5 million or £10 million for emergency medical expenses. It is easy to wonder why anyone could possibly need that much cover just for a holiday.
The truth is, medical cover isn't just about the hospital bill; it's about the logistics of getting you home safely.
At a Glance: How Much Medical Cover Do I Need?
For most international travel, you should look for a policy that provides at least £5 million in medical cover. Many specialist policies offer £10 million.
While these figures sound incredibly high, they have to cover several major expenses:
- Emergency Surgery & ICU Stays: A serious medical emergency can easily exceed £100,000 in places like the USA or South America.
- Medical Repatriation: An air ambulance from the Canary Islands to the UK costs around £30,000, while long-haul medical flights can exceed £80,000.
- 24/7 Support: This includes the cost of medical escorts, translators, and accommodation for a loved one to stay by your bedside.
Do not rely on a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) alone. It does not cover the cost of flying you back to the UK in an emergency.
The Million Pound Myth
It is a common misconception that £1 million is more than enough cover. In everyday life, £1 million sounds like a lottery win. However, in the world of international healthcare, medical inflation is high, and costs mount up fast.
A complex stay in an intensive care unit abroad, followed by a private air ambulance back to the UK, can easily drain a six-figure sum. If your policy limit is too low, you or your family could be left to pay the difference.
As a result, the industry standard for reputable UK policies is between £5 million and £10 million. Here at Total Travel Protection, we provide these high levels of cover to give you total peace of mind.
Breaking Down the Costs: What Are You Actually Paying For?
When you fall ill abroad, you do not just pay for a doctor's time. A serious medical claim is made up of many different, invisible costs:
- Emergency Treatment: This covers the cost of emergency surgery, intensive care, and vital diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans.
- Medication & Nursing: In-patient care, round-the-clock nursing, and specialist prescription drugs.
- Additional Accommodation: The cost of a partner or spouse staying in a nearby hotel so they do not have to leave your side.
- Repatriation: The cost of getting you back home to the UK safely.
Repatriation: More Than Just a Flight Home
Many people ask, "What is repatriation insurance and why does it cost so much?” Simply put, medical repatriation is the process of returning a sick or injured person to their home country.
It is rarely as simple as booking a standard plane ticket. Depending on how unwell you are, repatriation can take several forms:
- Economy or Business Class with an Escort: You fly on a commercial flight, but a regular doctor or nurse travels with you to monitor your condition and administer medication.
- A Stretcher on a Commercial Flight: The airline removes several rows of seats to fit a medical stretcher, with a medical team by your side.
- A Private Air Ambulance: For critical patients, this is a dedicated private jet outfitted like a mobile intensive care unit. It flies at specific altitudes to manage air pressure and has a full team of specialist medical staff on board.
Real-World Examples: The Price of an Accident
To show you how quickly these costs add up, here are some examples of real-world medical incidents and their estimated costs:
| Destination | Incident & Treatment | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Broken hip and a scheduled flight home with a medical escort | £15,000+ |
| Canary Islands | Stroke and a private air ambulance back to the UK | £30,000 – £45,000 (If this is based on a public hospital for medical. If private hospital -£40,000-£55,000) |
| Thailand | Road accident requiring complex surgery and hospital stay | £50,000+ |
| USA | Heart attack and 5 days in an intensive care unit | £100,000+ |
Why Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) Aren't Enough
There is a frequent misunderstanding that a GHIC replaces the need for travel insurance when you visit Europe. This is not the case.
A GHIC only covers state-funded healthcare in the EU, under the same terms as a resident. It does not cover mountain rescue, or treatment on cruise ships. Most importantly, a GHIC pays absolutely nothing towards repatriation. If you need a medical flight back to the UK, a GHIC will not cover it.
How to Choose Your Limit
When you are looking for a policy, consider these three questions to help you decide how much cover is right for your trip:
- Where are you going? Countries like the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean have exceptionally high healthcare costs. You must ensure you have maximum medical limits for these destinations.
- What are you doing? If you are going on a cruise, specialised cruise cover is essential. Being airlifted from a ship at sea to the nearest mainland hospital is incredibly expensive.
- What is your health like? Pre-existing medical conditions mean you have a higher statistical likelihood of needing medical attention or repatriation cover.
Here at Total Travel Protection, we are here to help you travel with confidence. Get a quote for specialist medical travel insurance today, so you can enjoy your next holiday knowing you are properly protected.