Travellers urged to insure against illness

Holidaymakers flying abroad for a break could incur medical bills of thousands of pounds unless they are adequately insured, it has been warned.

One-third of all travel insurance claims for holidays in Europe are for medical reasons, rising to almost two-thirds for breaks in the US, according to American Express Insurance Services.

The insurer adds that with the cost of treating gastroenteritis being about £600 and a broken leg costing anything up to £10,000, travellers must protect themselves with the relevant holiday cover.

Joanne Field, marketing manager for American Express Insurance Services, said: "There are two key things to look for when buying a good travel insurance policy to cover any potential medical claims - does the insurer ask about your health now and does the insurer offer at least £1 million of medical and repatriation cover?"

The advice comes days after a British woman received a bill of £150,000 for treatment following a fall while on holiday in the US.

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