Why Greece Travel Requires Insurance: High Medical Costs Explained
takayuki
Nomadrista
Do You Need Medical Insurance for Your UK Trip? Real Examples of High Medical Bills
takayuki
It is important to remember that the cost of living in the UK is among the highest in the world, and medical expenses can be very expensive if you become ill or injured during your trip.
Without proper insurance, you may face a significant financial burden.
Here are some real examples of high medical bills:
Subdural hematoma and surgery – $83,700
Collapsed at a hotel and transported by ambulance. Diagnosed with a subdural hematoma. Underwent surgery and was hospitalized for 32 days.
Acute appendicitis and surgery – $20,000
Experienced severe abdominal pain and visited the hospital. Diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Underwent surgery and was hospitalized for 4 days.
Hepatitis E and hospitalization – $37,500
Had persistent fever and coughing and went to the hospital. Diagnosed with hepatitis E. Underwent treatment and was hospitalized for 43 days.
To protect yourself from these risks, purchasing medical insurance before traveling to the UK is strongly recommended.
The following travel insurance providers offer affordable and comprehensive coverage, and can be easily purchased online.
No,1
SafetyWing
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$56.28 (not including the US)
・$104.44 (including the US)
・$104.44 (including the US)
Medical Compensation
$250,000
Emergency Transportation
$20,000
Dental treatment
$1,000
Flight delays
$200
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
Without
Standby time
0 hours
No.2
World Nomads
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$220.43 (not including the US)
・$265.07 (including US)
・$265.07 (including US)
Medical Compensation
$5,000,000
Emergency Transportation
$500,000
Dental treatment
$300
Flight delays
$500
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
$2,500
Standby time
72 hours
No.3
Heymondo
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$113.05 (not including the US)
・$130.16 (including the US)
・$130.16 (including the US)
Medical Compensation
$5,000,000
Emergency Transportation
$500,000
Dental treatment
$300
Flight delays
$450
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
$1,700
Standby time
72 hours
This article explains why medical insurance is essential for travel to the UK and introduces recommended insurance services that international travelers can apply for online.
Contents
The UK Healthcare System (NHS)
The United Kingdom provides public healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS).
The NHS offers free medical services to people living in the UK.
Free Medical Services Provided by the NHS
- General practitioner (GP) consultations
- Hospital consultations and surgeries
- Emergency medical care, including ambulance services
- Maternity care and prenatal check-ups
- Some mental health services
However, some services require payment, such as prescription medicines, dental treatment, and eye exams.
It is important to understand that foreign visitors are not entitled to free NHS treatment.
This means that travelers must pay the full cost of any medical care received in the UK.
Is Medical Insurance Required for Travel to the UK?
Some European countries, especially those within the Schengen Area, require travelers to show proof of medical insurance when entering the country.
For example, the Czech Republic requires all visitors to have valid medical insurance for both entry and stay. Travelers who cannot provide proof may be denied entry or fined.
» Which Countries Require Travel Insurance to Enter?
In comparison, the UK does not require medical insurance for entry.
However, medical costs in the UK are extremely high, and foreign visitors are not covered by NHS services.
Having medical insurance is highly important to avoid unexpected expenses in case of illness or injury during your trip.
UK Medical Costs (If You Are Not Covered by the NHS)
Below is a reference guide to typical medical expenses for travelers receiving treatment at public healthcare facilities in the UK.
| Cost | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| General Diagnosis | $180–$300 | Consultation with a specialist. Additional fees may apply for tests or treatment. |
| X-rays or MRI Scans | $250–$1,200 | Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. Costs vary based on the type of scan. |
| Ambulance Use | $300–$500 | Fee for ambulance dispatch and transport. Extra charges may apply for long distances or emergency procedures. |
| Prescription Medication | $12 | Standard prescription fee. Some special or expensive medications may cost extra. |
| Dental Treatment | $30–$350 | Basic check-ups are low cost, but advanced treatments such as fillings, extractions, or crowns can be much more expensive. |
Medical costs in the UK can be surprisingly high, especially for emergency care, specialist consultations, and prescription medications.
Even a simple consultation can reach up to $300, and advanced diagnostic tests may cost $1,200 or more.
To avoid these potentially high expenses, purchasing medical insurance before your trip to the UK is strongly recommended.
Examples of High Medical Expenses in the UK
Even for minor illnesses or unexpected injuries, medical treatment in the UK can be much more expensive than many travelers expect.
Below are real examples of travelers who faced significant medical bills while receiving treatment in the UK.
1. Cervical Disc Herniation During Study Abroad
A traveler studying in the UK developed severe shoulder blade pain and arm spasms. After undergoing medical evaluation, they were diagnosed with a cervical disc herniation.
They received treatment and accumulated significant medical expenses.
Total cost: $20,000
2. Acute Appendicitis Requiring Surgery
A traveler experiencing severe abdominal pain was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. They underwent surgery and spent 13 days in the hospital.
Total cost: $49,500
3. Kidney and Ureteral Stones
A traveler with intense abdominal pain visited a hospital and was diagnosed with kidney and ureteral stones. Surgery was performed, followed by 6 days of hospitalization.
Total cost: $22,800
4. Pneumothorax and Extended Hospitalization
While out walking, a traveler suddenly developed chest pain. They were diagnosed with pneumothorax and required surgery, a 25-day hospital stay, and medical transport with both a doctor and a nurse.
Total cost: $64,500
5. Ovarian Torsion During Study Abroad
A traveler studying abroad experienced severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed with ovarian torsion. They underwent surgery and were hospitalized for 4 days.
Total cost: $30,100
6. Hemopneumothorax After a Fall
After falling in the bathroom and hitting their chest, a traveler’s condition worsened the next day while sightseeing. They were diagnosed with hemopneumothorax and required surgery and a 3-day hospital stay.
Total cost: $38,800
7. Fractures of the Humerus and Femoral Neck
A traveler fractured both the humerus and femoral neck after falling while getting out of bed. They underwent surgery, stayed in the hospital for 17 days, and required medical transport with a nurse escort.
Total cost: $33,450
Travel Insurance Available Online
To avoid paying these high costs out of pocket, it is essential to purchase travel insurance before visiting the UK.
To help you prepare for unexpected situations and travel with confidence, here are three recommended travel insurance options that can be purchased online:
- Safety Wing
: A cost-effective travel insurance plan that you can buy online on the same day. You can also enroll from abroad with no waiting period. - World Nomads
: Offers comprehensive coverage, including medical insurance and protection against theft. Ideal for travelers who want wider coverage. - Heymondo
: Provides plans designed for long-term travelers, with medical coverage options of up to $10,000,000.
To enjoy your trip to the UK with peace of mind, consider enrolling in one of these travel insurance plans.
SafetyWing
Safety Wing is a great overseas travel insurance option for long-term travelers and digital nomads, offering comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.
Features of Safety Wing
- Monthly premium: $56.28
- Coverage available from a minimum of 5 days
- Immediate enrollment with no waiting period, even while overseas
- 24/7 live chat support
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
The detailed insurance coverage is as follows:
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $1,000 |
| Emergency Transportation | $100,000 |
| Medical repatriation | $5,000 |
| Emergency return to your country | $5,000 |
| Lost Baggage | $3,000 |
| Flight delays | $200 |
| Theft of passports | $100 |
| Car Accident | $250,000 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $250,000 |
| At the time of death | $20,000 |
SafetyWing provides up to $250,000 in medical coverage and includes general medical benefits, making it a highly cost-effective option for travelers.
The monthly premium starts at $56.28, and you can adjust the coverage period based on your travel days to keep your costs lower.
You can easily get a personalized quote based on your travel schedule on the SafetyWing official website.
World Nomads
World Nomads is a trusted travel insurance provider offering extensive coverage of up to $5,000,000, making it suitable even for destinations with very high medical costs, such as the United States.
Features of World Nomads
- Insurance rates vary depending on the destination
(e.g., a 4-week plan that includes the U.S. costs $265.07) - The maximum medical coverage limit is $5,000,000
(unlimited coverage plans are also available). - Coverage includes flight delays and lost baggage.
- 24/7 support available by phone or email.
The specific insurance details are as follows.
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $300 |
| Medical Transportation and Repatriation | $5,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation | $5,000 |
| Emergency return to your country | $5,000 |
| Baggage coverage | $2,500 |
| Flight delays | $500 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $3,500 |
| At the time of death | $15,000 |
World Nomads provides medical coverage of up to $5,000,000 or unlimited coverage plans also available.
Start by getting a quote that matches your travel plans on the World Nomads website.
Heymondo
Heymondo is a popular choice among digital nomads thanks to its excellent cost-performance and wide range of coverage.
It offers multiple plans suitable for both short vacations and long-term stays, allowing you to choose insurance that matches your travel style and destination.
Features of Heymondo
- A cost-effective 3-month plan designed for long-term travelers
- Insurance premiums vary depending on the country you visit
- Medical coverage up to $5,000,000 or $10,000,000 on premium plans
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support available by phone or email
The specific insurance details are as follows:
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $300 |
| Extended Overnight Expenses | $1,800 |
| Emergency Transportation | $5,000,000 |
| Baggage coverage | $1,700 |
| Flight delays | $450 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $3,500 |
| At the time of death | $100,000 |
The standard plan, Travel Insurance Top, includes medical coverage up to $5,000,000, while the premium plan, Travel Insurance Premium, increases the limit to $10,000,000.
If you are planning a trip to the UK, visit the Heymondo website to get a quote and find a plan that matches your travel schedule.
Q. Which travel insurance is best for you?
If you are searching for the best travel insurance, be sure to check the following page.
Comparison of four overseas travel insurance companies
Best Travel Insurance: Our Top Pick Is SafetyWing at $56/Month
On this page, we have carefully selected popular travel insurance services and explained their key features and benefits in detail.
ABOUT ME
I've been a nomad abroad for five years, traveling through 10+ cities across Europe. Right now I’m spending time in places like Paris, Venice, and Barcelona. I’ll be sharing simple, useful tips for living abroad.
