January is the perfect time to beat the winter blues and grab a holiday bargain break in the sales. But before you click “book now”, have you ever thought about what an accident abroad could cost you? Spoiler alert: it’s a lot more than the price of your flights.
Two essentials should always be on your packing list: a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and travel insurance. Here’s why.
Why medical mishaps can cost a fortune
Around 30% of all travel insurance claims are for medical treatment, and the bills can be eye-watering. In 2025 alone, holidaymakers faced charges that ran into thousands:
- Food poisoning in Greece: £1,611
- Dehydration in Spain: £7,267
- Fractured leg in Mexico: £35,703
- Motorcycle crash in Thailand: £101,374
- Head injury in the British Virgin Islands: £39,225
And if you’re heading to the USA? Brace yourself. A broken leg there could cost £280,000. One insurer even reported a single claim of nearly £110,000 after a road accident in Canada.
Medical care overseas can drain your savings faster than you think, and where you travel makes all the difference.
What is a GHIC – and why do you need one?
The Global Health Insurance Card gives UK residents access to state-run healthcare in EU countries (and a few others) on the same terms as locals. It replaced the EHIC after Brexit and is free to apply for.
A GHIC can cover:
- Emergency treatment for accidents or sudden illness
- Care for pre-existing conditions
- Routine maternity care
- Kidney dialysis and oxygen
But it won’t cover:
- Private hospitals or clinics
- Medical repatriation back to the UK
- Non-medical costs like extra accommodation or cancelled flights
You can use it in all 27 EU countries, plus places like Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Australia, and even some French overseas territories.
With this in mind, the GHIC is certainly an essential on your packing list.
Why travel insurance is still essential
Even with a GHIC, you could still face hefty bills. Travel insurance fills the gaps by covering:
- Medical repatriation if you need to come home urgently
- Extra costs when state care isn’t fully free
- Disruption expenses like new flights or accommodation
- Cancellations, delays, and lost baggage
You should always buy your policy as soon as you book your holiday. Cancellation cover only kicks in from the day you buy insurance. If you delay and something goes wrong – illness, airline collapse, family emergency – you could lose all your pre-paid costs.
And don’t just pick the cheapest option. Budget policies often mean lower medical limits, minimal cancellation cover, and big gaps for activities like cycling, watersports, or skiing. In fact, half of UK travellers take part in activities that might not be covered by their policy. If you’re injured doing something excluded, your insurer can refuse the claim.
Real risks, real stories
Research shows that two-thirds of travellers have experienced – or know someone who has experienced – one of these holiday nightmares:
- Being robbed (19%)
- Spending days in hospital (17%)
- Losing a passport (17%)
- Flying home for medical care (8%)
- Being airlifted to hospital (6%)
These figures show there’s no point thinking it’ll never happen to you. It’s more than likely that your travel insurance will be vitally important during your trip. At the very least, it provides peace of mind, so that you can enjoy your well-deserved break. With the right cover, these situations don’t have to turn into financial disasters.
Your safety net for stress-free travel
A GHIC is worth carrying, but it’s only part of the picture. Travel insurance is your real safety net – for medical emergencies, cancellations, and all those unexpected twists that can derail a trip.
So before you book that January bargain, make sure you’ve got both. Because the only thing worse than breaking your arm on holiday… is breaking the bank to pay for it.
Ready to protect your next adventure? Speak to your local Howden branch today and find cover that fits your plans!
Sources: Which?, Daily Mail, Money Supermarket, Avanti Travel, LV Insurance
You could also read:
- The hidden costs of ski holidays
- The new EU rules: what you can (and can’t) bring home!
- Avoiding a festive parking fiasco
- Could your Christmas lights earn you a fine?
- Smart heat your home this winter
This is a marketing blog by Howden.