# Travel insurance and medical costs abroad

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/travel-insurance-and-medical-costs-abroad
> Updated: 2026-10-29T09:13:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Recent reports highlight the financial risks associated with traveling without adequate medical insurance. In Denmark, a study by YouGov for Gjensidige found that one in four Danes traveled within Europe without travel insurance in the last three years, and six percent lacked both insurance and a valid EU health insurance card. Lene Ovesen of Gjensidige noted that hospitalization and repatriation can cost tens of thousands to over 100,000 kroner.

In Germany, consumer portal Finanztip reported that medical emergencies can incur massive costs, such as a heart attack in Spain involving repatriation costing up to 60,000 euros. German statutory health insurance (GKV) often only covers partial treatment costs and does not cover medical repatriation. Experts recommend private travel health insurance to bridge these gaps, noting that ‘very good’ protection can be relatively affordable for individuals and families.

## Claims

- A heart attack in Spain including repatriation can cost up to 60,000 euros. (reported by 3 sources)
- A broken forearm in Austria can cost up to 2,500 euros. (reported by 3 sources)
- Gastrointestinal illness in Egypt can cost up to 4,000 euros. (reported by 3 sources)
- German statutory health insurance (GKV) does not cover medical repatriation to Germany. (reported by 3 sources)
- Stiftung Warentest found ‘very good’ protection for individuals starting at approximately eight euros annually. (reported by 3 sources)
- Families can obtain protection for around 30 euros annually according to Stiftung Warentest. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Travel insurance advice for medical emergencies abroad

Experts advise German travelers to secure private health insurance for trips abroad, as statutory insurance often fails to cover full medical costs or repatriation, which can reach tens of thousands of euros.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/travel-insurance-advice-for-medical-emergencies-abroad

### 2026-10-12: Danish travelers face high costs without travel insurance

A study shows one in four Danes has traveled in Europe without travel insurance, risking costs exceeding 100,000 kroner for medical emergencies or repatriation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/danish-travelers-face-high-costs-without-travel-insurance

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Cite as: Travel insurance and medical costs abroad. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/travel-insurance-and-medical-costs-abroad