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Brits more worried about handbags than health on holiday

10 March 2010: New research reveals that Brits are more worried about losing their suitcases, purses and wallets than they are about their health when on holiday.

 
Holiday peace of mind

Airlines losing luggage tops the ‘holiday worry’ list for nearly half (46%) of those surveyed, closely followed by losing a wallet or purse (44%). Only 35% said they were worried about falling ill when abroad.

But it seems Brits should be more worried about their health when abroad, as almost half (45%) said they had either fallen ill, been injured or needed medical treatment when on holiday.

Tariq Siddiqi, general manager of Bupa Travel said: “It’s shocking that people are more worried about their possessions than their health when on holiday. Most people say that their health is the most important thing so I would expect to see it at the top of the list by a long way. Falling ill or being injured abroad is a common occurrence and can be very scary, so it’s vital that people ensure they have adequate protection should the worst happen.

“Replacing your luggage costs comparatively little, yet paying for medical treatment can be limitless. Air ambulance costs range from £10,000 and £80,000, and even something as simple as an upset stomach can cost £750 to treat.”

Bupa Travel is launching a new single trip travel insurance policy on 1 March 2010, which will offer unlimited medical expenses and where clinically necessary, specially equipped air ambulances or a medical escort if the customer needs to be evacuated or repatriated. All medical cases are managed in the UK by multi-lingual coordinators. Customers will also have access to a 24-hour pre-travel helpline to answer any questions about visas, inoculations and vaccination requirements.

Find out about Bupa travel insurance by calling 0800 001022 or online at www.bupatravel.co.uk.

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