You may never think that something will go wrong while you are abroad because you do not consider insurance for activities when you are at home. However, if you succumb to an accident or something happens that means you will need medical attention, lose your passport or money, then your holiday may be a nightmare without the peace of mind of adequate travel insurance.
Unlike the UK, health care is not free or is it heavily subsidised in most countries. Without travel insurance, it could cost about £45,000 to be air lifted to the hospital if you are on holiday in Florida, or if you need a flight with doctor assistance following an accident while backpacking in Australia, it could set you back around £20,000. While these incidents are rare, they were unexpected, and the travellers could have been covered by a travel insurance policy that cost less than £100.
Just because you are a UK citizen does not mean that the High Commission or British Embassy will cover your costs. Travel insurance is your best form of protection, even if you feel you are a careful person, you do not know when you may need help for a sudden illness or unexpected injury.
Your travel insurance policy will also cover extra things as well as your medical expenses. Your policy can cover things like legal assistance, loss of your possessions or luggage, help you if your trip is curtailed or cancelled, or cover your return trip if your airline goes into bankruptcy.
Like most insurance, your policy will not cover you should you have an accident due to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol or do something risky. You also must keep reasonable care of your belongings and use services, like a hotel safe, where they exist to protect important documents like your passport or flight tickets.