Medical services abroad can be extremely expensive. Even a common illness or injury may sometimes lead to costs of tens of thousands of euros or dollars.
Very often, when people purchase a “Travel Assistance Insurance,” their main question is: “Do I really need such a high limit for medical expenses?” And they don’t even imagine how clear and categorical the answer is – yes. Even a common illness or injury may sometimes lead to costs of tens of thousands of euros or dollars. Without appropriate travel insurance, these sums remain the responsibility of the traveler and their family.
Real cases from our practice across all Colonnade branches.
USA, Appendicitis
A client suffered acute appendicitis and was admitted to hospital on an emergency basis. Only for the surgery and hospital stay, the expenses reached USD 75,000.
Mexico, Broken Leg
During a cruise near the coast of Mexico, a female client was seriously injured. Surgery in Cancun and subsequent repatriation were required. Total costs: USD 70,000.
Egypt, Pulmonary Embolism
A client spent two weeks in a local hospital and was then transported with specialized transportation to Hungary. The cost of treatment and repatriation reached EUR 55,000.
Turkey, Stroke
A client suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Expenses: EUR 30,000 for treatment and EUR 23,000 for evacuation.
Australia, Severe Road Accident
After a crash, a client underwent a complex surgery. Immediate return was not possible, and the case ended with total expenses of EUR 70,000.
Spain, Broken Leg with Subsequent Complex Surgery
The costs for surgery, hospital stay, and repatriation exceeded EUR 80,000.
Germany, Fall from a Vehicle and Spinal Fractures
A client with a severe back injury was repatriated with specialized medical transport. The expenses amounted to EUR 60,000.
Mexico, Life-Threatening Severe Pancreatitis
A patient in a life-threatening condition was treated in Cancun and subsequently transported by air ambulance to his home in Germany. Total expenses: more than USD 310,000.
USA, Chicago – Hip Fracture
After tripping and falling in a park, a client underwent surgery, and the expenses reached USD 89,000.
China, Broken Leg
The case required hospitalization, surgery, and repatriation. Total expenses: EUR 106,000.
Israel, Multiple Fractures
After falling in a hotel bathroom, a client suffered serious injuries. With treatment and repatriation, the expenses reached USD 52,000.
Nepal, Helicopter Evacuation
A tourist with altitude sickness was evacuated by air and hospitalized. Expenses: EUR 12,000.
What Do These Examples Show?
- Even “ordinary” cases can cost very high amounts.
- Repatriation is extremely expensive – an air ambulance can exceed EUR 100,000, especially if the journey is outside Europe.
- Risks are everywhere – from developed European countries to remote regions such as Nepal or Mexico.
- A high limit under the medical expenses coverage is a guarantee of peace of mind – the client does not think about costs, but about recovery.