Not all services provided are free with a General Health Insurance Card
People requiring an air ambulance will now find the cost of being flown home safely from a long-haul destination will now cost more than twice the amount charged in 2019, Abta said.
Five years ago, an air ambulance from the European Union back to the UK cost between €15,000-€20,000, but this figure rose to €25,000-€30,000 last year. Worldwide costs are even higher, rising from €35,000-€40,000 in 2019 to around €75,000-€85,000 in 2023.
The trade body said travellers may sometimes rely solely on the General Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which allows UK citizens access to state medical care in the EU and a handful of other destinations. However, not all services provided are free, and air ambulance costs are not covered by GHIC.
Abta is encouraging people to take out travel insurance as soon as they book a trip to ensure they are covered straight away, including if they have to cancel for an unforeseen reason like illness.