When you’re travelling internationally, whether for leisure or business, a medical emergency can throw you and your loved ones into terrifying situations. Dealing with healthcare in a foreign country can be expensive, complicated and emotionally taxing. More so if you’re far from home and unsure of what to do. That’s why comprehensive travel insurance abroad isn’t just a good idea, it’s a great one. 

At Bruford and Vallance Insurance Services Ltd, we understand the real-world impact of medical emergencies while travelling. Our policies are designed to offer not just protection, but peace of mind. This guide will explain how travel insurance provides crucial support during medical emergencies abroad. We’ll detail the scope of its coverage and illustrate how we are committed to assisting you every step of the way. 

Why Travel Insurance Is Crucial for Medical Emergencies

Falling ill or sustaining an injury abroad is something most travellers never plan for, but even the most cautious of people can be struck by unforeseen events. From food poisoning and sprains to more serious conditions like heart attacks or road accidents, medical emergencies can easily appear out of the blue. Without the right cover, you could be left facing:

• Hospital bills mounting up into the thousands
• Expensive emergency evacuation or repatriation costs
• Language barriers and unfamiliar healthcare systems
• Delayed treatment due to lack of upfront payment

A good policy offering travel insurance for a medical emergency abroad acts as a financial safety net, covering your costs and giving you access to professional help 24/7. But what is typically covered under travel insurance? 

What’s Typically Covered Under Emergency Medical Travel Insurance?
It’s different from provider to provider, but comprehensive travel health insurance in the UK typically includes a range of medical benefits designed to protect you when you’re further afield. Expect the following to be covered under emergency medical travel insurance: 

Hospital Stays and Inpatient Treatment

If you’re admitted to the hospital, your travel insurance covers the cost of care, tests, and treatments. Insurance almost always covers:

• Surgery and diagnostic procedures
• Overnight accommodation and meals
• Intensive care, if required

Ambulance Services

If you need urgent medical transport, whether by road, air or boat, emergency travel cover will quickly and efficiently get you to the hospital. There may be rare instances where alternative methods aren’t covered, so it’s important to check your policy. 

Emergency Repatriation

Sometimes, getting you home is the best medical decision. Repatriation insurance covers the cost of returning you to the UK for treatment. This is often the case if the illness or injury requires specialists and isn’t life-threatening. 

Medication and Follow-Up Care

Prescription drugs, wound dressings, physiotherapy, and other aftercare services are also often included, ensuring your recovery continues smoothly. Again, there may be extremely rare cases when specific drugs are unavailable, but this isn’t something to worry about. 

How much will medical travel insurance set you back? There are many factors at play, so it’s worth comparing prices to get the best deal for you and your nearest and dearest. 

Average Costs of Medical Travel Insurance

The price of medical travel insurance depends on several factors. These factors include your age, destination, medical history and length of stay. Here’s a quick overview of the average costs:

Age Group	No Pre-Existing Conditions	With Pre-Existing Conditions	High-Risk Destinations (e.g. USA)
18–30	£10–£20 per week	£15–£35 per week	£30–£50 per week
31–60	£15–£30 per week	£25–£50 per week	£40–£70 per week
61+	£30–£60 per week	£50–£100 per week	£70–£120 per week

For a tailored quote, visit our insurance policies page or contact us directly.

Real-Life Scenarios Where Travel Insurance Saves the Day
Imagine this: you slip while hiking the Alps, breaking your leg. The rescue requires a helicopter evacuation, hospital surgery and an extended stay abroad. Without medical evacuation insurance, you could face bills upwards of £20,000. This is a roundabout figure, but it’s worth thinking of the worst-case scenario to understand the physical and financial complications. 

Or consider the case of a holidaymaker who suffered a stroke in Thailand. Emergency repatriation and ongoing care cost over £100,000. Thankfully, they were fully covered under their insurance policy. 

These aren’t rare horror stories. They’re everyday realities our team handles with compassion and speed. We’ve helped clients across the globe navigate medical emergencies with calm and measured expertise.

Has Brexit Impacted Medical Travel Insurance?

Yes, Brexit has changed how UK travellers access healthcare in Europe. The old EHIC has been replaced by the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides limited coverage in EU countries. However:

• GHIC does not cover private hospitals
• GHIC does not include repatriation or ambulance services
• GHIC is not valid outside the EU

This makes travel health insurance from the UK more important than ever, even when travelling within Europe. For further reading, explore The Best Time to Buy Travel Insurance or 5 Places You Shouldn’t Visit Without Travel Insurance.

How Bruford and Vallance Support You Abroad
Our policies come with medical assistance travel insurance, meaning help is just a phone call away, any time, anywhere. Regardless of the scale of your medical emergency, we’ll:

• Arrange medical care and hospital admission
• Liaise with doctors and local authorities on your behalf
• Provide translation support where needed
• Manage emergency transport and logistics
• Keep your family informed at every stage

We understand that medical emergencies are stressful, which is why our service standards prioritise compassion, clarity and speed. Still unsure about the process? The claim process has never been easier. 

Making a Claim: What to Expect

At Bruford and Vallance, we’ve streamlined the claims process to make it as stress-free as possible. When the unexpected happens, follow this protocol:

1. Contact our helpline via phone or email for advice and support
2. We’ll confirm your cover, issue authorisation for treatment, and notify the hospital directly
3. Keep receipts and medical reports for documentation
4. Submit your claim through our easy-to-follow process
5. Track your case online or via our support team

You can find the full list of claim numbers here.

Our policies are designed with real-life situations in mind, not just legal jargon. From minor injuries to major incidents, we’ll support you every step of the way. One of the best forms of prevention is protection. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Cover Before You Go

Before you embark on your travels, make sure your policy offers the right protection. Here’s what to look for when buying travel insurance:

• Does it cover your destination? Some policies exclude high-risk countries
• Are pre-existing medical conditions included? Declare everything honestly
• What’s the medical benefit limit? Aim for at least £1 million cover
• Is repatriation included? Some policies don’t cover this essential feature
• Is 24/7 support guaranteed? You should never be left alone in an emergency

Read more in our guide: What to Look For When Buying Travel Insurance, and don’t forget to check how you’re covered for flight cancellations and delays.

Travel Insurance Experts: Bruford and Vallance Insurance Services Ltd

At Bruford and Vallance, we believe that true peace of mind comes from knowing someone has your back, especially when you’re far from home. We don’t just sell policies; we provide protection, guidance and personal support in your hour of need.

Our travel insurance plans are built for real people with real concerns. Whether you’re putting your soaking up the summer sun in Spain or scaling the dizzy heights of the Dolomites, we’ll be here to help if things go wrong.

We’re proud of our responsive claims service, clear communication and compassionate team. Our clients trust us because we deliver when it matters. Travelling makes life much richer. Don’t leave anything to chance. Let’s explore the world together.  

Don’t leave your health to chance abroad. Speak to Bruford and Vallance Insurance Services Ltd today for comprehensive travel cover that protects you when it matters most.