You think it won’t happen to you or your travel companions – but emergency medical situations do happen when you travel.  Here are the top five types of claims travellers make according to TuGo.

1. Trauma Claims

Have you ever fallen? Its unexpected and usually just a slip on your walking surface, like slippery water, oil, or ice. Or have you tripped? Perhaps you just didn’t see the hazard or there was poor lighting. While often a fall or trip just results in a slight bruise, it can mean a twisted ankle, fracture, or concussion – and the need for emergency medical help.

The number one cause of emergency travel insurance claims is trauma.

In 17-year-old Chris’ case, he was playing baseball and suffered a ruptured spleen. His travel insurance paid $50,000.

2. Respiratory Claims

Respiratory infections are a major reason for travelers seeking medical care. Upper respiratory infection is more common than lower respiratory infection. In general, the respiratory infections that affect travelers are like those in non-travelers, and exotic causes are rare.

You or your children may feel ill after exposure on a cruise ship or hotel, from your tour group members or the exciting gathering you attended, especially if you are a little older or already suffer from asthmas or COPD. The air quality during your flight or at your travel destination might be poor.

That’s why respiratory claims are the 2nd most common emergency travel claim as you deal with coughs, chest pain, fever or even pneumonia like Barbara had. Luckily her TuGo emergency medical travel policy paid over $22,000 for her care.

3. Digestive and Appendix Claims

While experienced travellers often take precautions against Traveller’s Diarrhea, its not surprising that digestive claims are number three on our list. If you’re visiting an area where either the sanitary practices or the climate are different than what you’re used to at home, you’re more likely to experience problems due to parasites, bacteria, or a virus. Often you can recover on your own, but severe pain, not being able to keep liquids down and a high fever or other symptoms of dehydration mean you need to see a doctor.

Just like when you are at home, unexpected severe problems can happen, including appendicitis or like Georgia, you may have a gallbladder attack and require hospitalization and medication. Georgia’s emergency medical travel insurance saved her from facing $24,920 in out-of-pocket expenses.

4. Flu, Cold and Viral Infection Claims

The common cold (usually caused by rhinovirus) or flu may be manageable while travelling but will certainly impact your enjoyment. Viral infections can cause rashes that can appear as bumps or blisters on your skin, and some can even be life-threatening, especially for those under age 5 or over age 65. Imagine having a severe shingles episode or needing a blood transfusion when you are away from home.

Like any emergency health issue, you may need to go to the nearest emergency room if you experience a high fever, difficulty breathing or chest pain. Matt was studying in Germany when he developed Tonsilitis, which would have cost him $2,200 in healthcare costs but instead was covered by his emergency medical travel insurance.

5. Urinary or Kidney Claims

Travel can stress our bodies, including our urinary system, which is the fifth most common cause of needing emergency medical treatment while travelling. We may drink less water than normal or sweat more and enjoy exotic foods. Interrupting our sleep and activity routines can compound health issues, like constipation and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

You may even encounter severe issues like Gloria did while travelling in the UK. She needed emergency care for a kidney stone which included surgery. Thankfully her TuGo emergency medical travel insurance covered $6,650 of cost so she didn’t have to and could focus on recovery.

Emergency Medical Travel Insurance is more than financial protection

If you face an unexpected medical incident when you are travelling, call your Emergency Travel Assistance (ETA) provided by your travel insurance – it is there to help. With one phone call you connect to an expert team who will refer you to a local doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or other appropriate medical facility. Then they maintain contact with you and continue to monitor your care and the services you are receiving. They will help manage—and pay for—your eligible medical expenses.

Read this article for more information on Emergency Travel Assistance to learn more, and use these helpful tips for managing your travel insurance claim and five ways to avoid travel claim problems.

Ready to travel? Don’t leave home without travel insurance

Travel insurance can potentially save you thousands of dollars when something goes terribly wrong. Make sure you’ve put insurance in place. Give us a call at SBIS at 416.601.0429 or 1.800.667.0429 toll-free we can help. Or go online today.