New research by leading price comparison website, MoneySuperMarket, today reveals that although a third of Brits have required medical treatment while on holiday, one in ten still do not take out travel insurance.

Despite only costing £31 on average1, 42 per cent don’t get cover because it’s “too expensive”, even though it’s a fraction of the cost of medical fees abroad, should injury or illness strike. People are more than willing to keep up with their health insurance renewal, so having travel insurance should really be second nature for those who like to go abroad for their holidays, and yet it’s still the last thing on people’s lists (or not even on the list at all!).

The study reveals that 44 per cent of 25-34 year-olds have required medical treatment on holiday, with Londoners more likely to need medical attention than people from any other part of the UK at 55 per cent, compared to Wales at 31 per cent, the North West at 30 per cent and the Midlands at 28 per cent. The research also reveals that men are more likely to have medical problems than women, with 40 per cent becoming unwell or suffering injury compared to just 25 per cent of women.

The USA is the most common location for Brits requiring medical assistance, with just under a quarter (24 per cent) claiming on their travel insurance due to illness or injury. Spain is in second place (23 per cent), followed by France (14 per cent).

This may be because Brits travelling to most countries in Europe are able to obtain emergency medical treatment on the same terms as a local resident if they are carrying an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is available free from the NHS. This can reduce or even eliminate any fees for the treatment received.