Holidaymakers are risking crippling medical emergencies in popular European destinations such as Spain and Greece, where the average claim value is around £1,0001.
Research from Post Office Travel Insurance discloses that a quarter (24%) of holidaymakers travel without any cover2. An unfortunate illness on holiday could leave travellers paying medical fees out of their own pocket, with the average Post Office Travel Insurance medical claim being £563 in 20253.
While public healthcare in Europe can be covered with a GHIC card, tourists may choose private healthcare as it can be faster and more convenient.
5 of the most expensive places to get sick on holiday:
- Spain
Spain can be one of the priciest places to fall ill abroad, with a stay in hospital reaching up to £3464. This price could skyrocket if you need to stay in the ICU, with daily costs climbing to £1,5554 depending on the type of hospital.
- Diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan, cost around £1734
- Surgery could cost upwards of £1,7284
These costs highlight why comprehensive travel insurance is essential when holidaying in Spain, as a single medical emergency can quickly become financially overwhelming.
- Greece
Greece can also prove costly for travellers who fall ill, particularly if private healthcare is required during a holiday.
- A private doctor’s visit is around £1045
- A specialist consultation costs up to £1735
- Emergency treatment at a private clinic could be up to £5185
A respiratory illness, for example, may result in over £6206 being paid out if you need emergency treatment recommended by a doctor and don’t have valid travel insurance.
- Italy
In Italy, public healthcare for emergencies is free; however, for shorter wait times and English-speaking doctors, many tourists opt for private healthcare.
- A doctor’s visit can be up to £1307
- Diagnostic tests and MRI scans can go up to £2607
Things that may seem small, like a quick visit to the doctor, can soon leave you with unexpected bills while on holiday.
- Turkey
Turkey is becoming increasingly popular for medical treatments thanks to the strong infrastructure and reputation of its healthcare system.
- A general practitioner’s visit can be up to £708
- A CT scan costs up to £3468
- The average cost for a night in hospital can be up to £4328
The standards of private healthcare in Turkey tend to be higher than in many European countries, which can contribute to higher prices.
- Cyprus
Healthcare charges in Cyprus can vary depending on whether treatment is provided privately, and costs may be higher than many travellers expect.
- A private doctor’s visit can be up to £879
- A specialist consultation costs up to £1309
- An overnight hospital stay can cost £8649
Private healthcare in Cyprus operates independently and often requires immediate payment. With the price comes high-end medical technology and facilities.
Adam Edinburgh, Head of Post Office Travel & New Products, commented:
“Many travellers underestimate both how likely they are to need medical treatment abroad and how expensive it can be. Our findings show that a doctor’s visit and an overnight hospital stay can cost thousands of pounds in some destinations. Travel insurance isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it can protect holidaymakers from serious financial stress if the unexpected happens.”
Before travelling, holidaymakers should:
- Ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency repatriation
- Confirm their insurer is aware of any medical conditions that might impact their cover
- Carry insurance details with them while travelling
Travel insurance can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket medical costs, providing access to treatment without the worry of large, upfront payments. In 2025, Post Office paid out over £7.4 million in travel medical claims, with the highest payout being £92,5523.
Discover the most expensive places to get sick on holiday and how to protect yourself here: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-insurance/guides/getting-sick-on-holiday
Sources:
- 1 Data reveals that in popular European destinations such as Spain and Greece, the average claim value is around £1,000 from Nov 2024 – Nov 2025 – ITIJ
- 2 Survey commissioned by Post Office and conducted by TLF Panel of 2,001 UK residents in November 2025 – Lost Items survey data.xlsx
- 3 Post Office internal underwriter data from Jan – Dec 2025
- 4 Medical care costs in Spain – Caser
- 5 Cost of medical care in Greece – Mobi Doctor
- 6 A respiratory illness, for example, may result in over £620 being paid out if you need emergency treatment recommended by a doctor – Price of doctor’s visit (£104) and emergency treatment (£522) added together
- 7 Cost of medical care in Italy – InterNations
- 8 Cost of medical care in Turkey – Alea
- 9 Costs of medical care in Cyprus – Mobi Doctor
- Photo via Adobe
