Vacation in danger: This is what you need to know about treatment costs abroad!

Vacation in danger: This is what you need to know about treatment costs abroad!

The cost of medical treatment abroad has increased significantly in recent years, especially in popular tourist destinations. According to a report by Cash Online Hospitalizations and medical treatments in particular have become significantly more expensive in countries such as Egypt or the USA. ADAC board member Sascha Petzold warns that holidaymakers without appropriate international health insurance can get into serious financial difficulties.

In many cases, patients have to pay the treatment costs directly on site, which can lead to significant bills. An example illustrates this: the cost of treating a laceration in the USA amounted to over 13,700 euros, while an arm fracture cost as much as 17,460 euros. Exorbitant prices are also evident in Egypt; A treatment with infusions in Hurghada cost 3,850 euros. A case of an elbow fracture that cost 21,650 euros due to unnecessary treatment illustrates the risks for travelers.

Price increases in popular holiday regions

The rising cost of treatment is not just limited to the USA and Egypt. In recent years, outpatient treatment costs have increased by 26.4% in Egypt, by 23.1% in the United Arab Emirates and by 11% in Turkey. These developments mean that travelers without insurance are often stuck with their costs. The ADAC reports that outpatient treatment in Germany costs on average around 200 euros, while the cost of similar treatments in Egypt is already 800 euros.

The price differences are particularly serious for specific treatment cases. Diarrhea treatment costs between 35 and 75 euros in Germany, but can cost between 740 and 1,220 euros in Egypt. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of fee regulations in many holiday destinations, which makes a transparent cost structure almost impossible.

Insurance protection for travelers

The ADAC emphasizes the importance of international health insurance when traveling abroad. This insurance is essential regardless of the means of transport chosen, as statutory health insurance only offers partial protection in EU countries and in countries with social security agreements. For trips outside these areas, such as to Thailand or the USA, travelers usually have to cover all costs themselves. International health insurance that was taken out before December 9, 2019 offers insurance cover for the first 45 days after crossing the border.

It is important to note that the insurance only applies from the day you leave the country and not for hospital stays that last longer than 63 days. In the event of a serious illness abroad, the ADAC will even organize transport back to a German clinic if medically necessary treatment is required. In this way, financial ruin due to high treatment costs can be prevented.

There are also special contracts for families that cover spouses, life partners and children up to the age of 23. Travelers should definitely inform themselves comprehensively about the insurance options and their conditions before departure. Because well-thought-out insurance can be crucial in the event of illness.