USA tops travel insurance chart

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New competition laws driving down the cost of flights coupled with the enduring strength of the pound against the dollar may have obscured the true cost of a trip to the USA, new research has found.

According to new research having a medical problem in the States can prove to be the most expensive country in the world to do so.

The average cost of an insurance claim for a US holiday in 2007 came in at £1,241. This is £196 more than the second most expensive, Thailand.

Not only did travellers to America make the most expensive claims, they also made the most in total in both 2006 and 2007.

A spokesman for InsureandGo, which conducted the poll, said: "Our figures show just how costly medical claims can be when on holiday. Even a relatively minor injury, such as a broken hand or foot, could lead to hospital treatment and a bill of hundreds of pounds.

"More serious medical problems, which might involve the individual being flown back to the UK, can run into the thousands. This is why it is essential for everyone travelling abroad, whether on business or pleasure, to have full travel insurance cover."

Average cost of travel insurance claims:

United States £1,241

Thailand £1,045

Portugal £652

Australia £629

Spain £615

Italy £497

France £446

Greece £266

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