Foreign Office warns UK tourists of 'big bill' over travel mistake

Holidaymakers have been warned they could end up with a 'big bill' if they make one travel mistake. The Foreign Office has said that UK tourists may have to pay tens of thousands of pounds if they make the error.

Travellers are being reminded they should take out travel insurance if they are planning to go abroad. Travelling without the right cover can also be 'very expensive' if there is an issue on holiday, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, the FCDO said: "Heading overseas soon? Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance, or you could face a big bill.

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"Did you know a quad bike accident in Greece could cost over £80,000 for surgery and medical evacuation?" It added: "Getting appropriate travel insurance is important.

"It should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. Travelling without the right cover can be very expensive if things do go wrong while you are abroad."

According to Gov.uk, insurance should cover any existing physical or mental health conditions - including any that are currently under investigation. It should also cover you for any activities you will be doing when on holiday.

If you do not have travel insurance, you might have to pay emergency expenses. For example, if you fall and break your leg in Spain and need hospital treatment, along with possible medical evacuation or repatriation, it can cost upwards of £25,000.

The FCDO said a stomach bug or infection treated in a hospital in the USA, also including possible medical evacuation or repatriation, can cost upwards of £150,000 in medical costs.