Policies help more than 4,300 people a week who need medical treatment while abroad

Travel insurance helps over 4,300 people a week who need medical treatment while they are abroad, but a fifth (19%) of all Brits risk travelling abroad uninsured, data shows.

The figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show that in 2013 the average claim for emergency medical treatment was £930.

Travel insurers pay out an average of £4m every week to cover medical costs.

Aidan Kerr, head of travel insurance at the ABI, said: “No one expects to go holiday and have to make a claim on their travel insurance. However, unfortunately for many travellers, having something go wrong can be a very real experience. It can be especially traumatic when you or someone you are travelling with is taken ill or injured.” reports the Health Insurance Daily

The ABI said people travelling in Europe must have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which allows them to receive emergency treatment from public hospitals across Europe.

It also said consumers should shop around for the best deal but should not buy a policy based on price alone as it might not cover all of their needs.