Plymouth MP urges holidaymakers not to travel uninsured

Local MP Alison Seabeck today warned constituents about the dangers of travelling abroad uninsured. In support of a campaign by ABTA - The Travel Association and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Ms Seabeck is urging holidaymakers in Plymouth to “pack your policy” ahead of the great summer getaway.

According to new research by ABTA – The Travel Association, many UK holidaymakers are unaware of the costs of medical treatment abroad and may be putting themselves at risk of sky high medical bills if something goes wrong.  13% of people in Plymouth now travel abroad without insurance, despite the need for medical assistance being relatively common. According to ABTA, research reveals that over 1 in 5 of people from Plymouth have visited a doctor or hospital while abroad.

Alison Seabeck said:  “We all look forward to our well-deserved summer holiday. However, it is very important that we make sure that when we do travel overseas, we are covered if something goes wrong.

"Many countries do not have national schemes to cover the cost of healthcare and treatment abroad can therefore be very costly. It is just not worth taking the risk. That is why I am very happy to support this campaign. I urge all of my constituents to make sure you “pack your policy” this summer.”

ABTA has launched a new advice section on travel insurance for consumers. Visit www.abta.com/travelinsurance for full details.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Mark Simmonds backed the launch of the campaign: “Many people travel abroad without insurance and that means if they are injured or fall ill it could be very expensive, it could even be a matter of life and death. Many don’t realise that the Government will not pay their medical bills abroad or pay for repatriation. I strongly urge everyone to take out comprehensive travel insurance so they can enjoy their holiday without risking their health or their savings.”

ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer said: “With the peak holiday season coming up and British tourists heading abroad, we urge holidaymakers to think about travel insurance and to pack their policy. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen and sometimes these accidents can lead to costly medical bills. It is just not worth taking the risk, when an average annual travel insurance policy costs less than £25.”