British holidaymakers have been warned they could face eye-watering medical bills abroad.
Travellers who fail to declare pre-existing health conditions on their insurance risk having claims rejected, leaving them responsible for the full cost of overseas care.
New figures from Admiral reveal just how expensive even basic treatment can be without valid insurance.
A simple painkiller prescription in the US could cost £1,250, while stitches might set you back £2,500.
The insurer said nearly half of the travel claims it handles include a medical element.
Cosmin Sarbu, head of travel insurance at Admiral, said: “Thinking it ‘won’t happen to me’ is a big risk.”
In Spain, stitches could cost around £750, and emergency repatriation to the UK from France or Spain can exceed £7,000.
The financial risk escalates further in more serious emergencies.
A heart attack or bypass in the US could cost around £150,000, with the same emergency costing £38,000 in Spain and £40,000 in Thailand for those uninsured or underinsured.
Escorted repatriation flights to the UK from the US could total £37,000, and from Thailand, £20,000.
The warning follows research suggesting almost six million Brits have knowingly omitted a medical condition from their travel insurance.
More than a quarter of those surveyed reported experiencing illness or a medical emergency while abroad.
Experts point to widespread confusion over what qualifies as a “pre-existing condition.”
Nearly one third of respondents said they would not think to declare GP-prescribed weight loss medication, while others were unsure about antidepressants or ADHD medication.
Many mistakenly believe only serious or ongoing conditions need to be mentioned.
Mr Sarbu said some travellers avoid declaring conditions out of concern it will make insurance cover unaffordable.
However, he warned that failing to disclose relevant information could invalidate a policy or reduce any potential payout—potentially leaving travellers responsible for enormous medical bills while overseas.
