Latest news with #GHIC
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Check smallprint' warning after balcony plunge dad hit by 'booze clause'
Sam Hudson, 24, was on a 'typical lads' holiday' in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, when he fell 30ft from a balcony at the Anmaria Beach Hotel after trying to jump between two balconies The family of a British holidaymaker who cheated death after tumbling four storeys whilst attempting to climb between hotel balconies in Cyprus are demanding a law change. Sam Hudson, 24, was enjoying a 'typical lads' holiday' in Ayia Napa alongside his brother and a mate when he plummeted 30ft (9m) from a balcony at the Anmaria Beach Hotel. The father-of-one, from Lincoln, has absolutely no recollection of the terrifying accident - though it's understood he had been attempting to leap between two balconies whilst intoxicated. He sustained a shattered pelvis, fractures to the L4 and L5 vertebrae in his spine, and a broken leg, before being rushed to hospital for urgent treatment. Sam hadn't arranged travel insurance before his getaway, meaning he was hit with enormous hospital bills. Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@ Nevertheless, the decorator has since learnt that even with travel insurance, he wouldn't have been protected as he had consumed more than four pints at the time of the incident. Consequently, Sam and his step-mum are attempting to highlight the restrictions of travel insurance - and reform the law so that it becomes compulsory for all tourists. They are also urging people to obtain a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before travelling - which helped cover some treatment expenses. Sam's step-mum Karen, 52, said: "The boys had all been drinking at a pool party but Sam went back to the hotel early. "When his brother Nathan and friend Alfie returned, they were faced with police who told them there had been an accident. Nathan rang us and he was just beside himself. He said that Sam had fallen off a balcony and was in hospital. "It's every parent's worst nightmare. You go through all sorts of emotions and your mind is racing. I was just thinking: 'Is he alive? What was he doing?' Your heart just instantly sinks." Karen and Sam's father Mike, 56, jetted out to Cyprus the following morning and rushed to see him at Nicosia General Hospital. Karen said: "He was lying in bed strapped to all of the monitors. "He was in tremendous agony - crying out in pain. I asked if they could give him more painkillers but I was told he was on the maximum he could receive." Sam required urgent surgery on his pelvis but his family first had to obtain a GHIC card for him, which took several days. They then turned to frantically attempting to bring him back to the UK - but were informed a medical repatriation flight could cost as much as £50,000. Karen said: "We spoke to the British Embassy who told us it was going to cost around £50,000 to get Sam home. That's a lot of money - and money that we don't have. So I asked, 'What do families do?' And they told us a lot of people start a GoFundMe. "But we didn't want to do that. We didn't want to sponge off people." Nevertheless, the situation shifted for the family when they finally managed to speak to Sam. Karen said: "We can't fault the care Sam has received but he was really struggling because of the language barrier. "He said to me: 'I just want to get home so the doctors can understand my pain when I'm telling them.' I told him I would do the best I could and so I knew I had to start the GoFundMe." Karen and Mike succeeded in obtaining Sam a GHIC card, which paid for his operation and emergency medical care. They subsequently launched a GoFundMe to meet the expenses of Sam's medical kit, their outgoings and lodging in Cyprus, and whatever was required to bring Sam home. They have collected £5,500 so far. Fortunately though, Sam has now been informed he'll be capable of flying home on a commercial aircraft - but will still require specialist support at additional expense. Karen anticipates he will be home within the coming weeks - once arrangements have been finalised with a hospital in the UK. Once home, Sam will begin rehabilitation and physiotherapy so he can learn to walk again. Meanwhile, Karen is determined to alter the law surrounding travel insurance. She said: "We were shocked to find out that even if Sam had travel insurance - he wouldn't have been covered because he had drunk alcohol. It's one of those things that's in the small print. And I do think that needs looking into. "I know people might think: 'It's his own fault. He was drinking.' And I completely agree. But I think it's unrealistic to think that people will go on holiday and not have a drink. There should be an option with travel insurance to pay more to also be covered in accidents where alcohol has been involved." Karen is advocating for a change in the law to make travel insurance compulsory for all holidaymakers. She stated: "I want to change the law so it's mandatory. For example, when you go to tax a car, it checks your insurance. I think when you book a holiday, you should have to put your travel insurance details and your GHIC Card in, or, it doesn't let you complete the booking." Despite Sam's medical treatment being covered by his GHIC card, Karen estimates that they've spent approximately £8,000 on necessary equipment like a mobility chair and back brace. They've also incurred substantial costs for accommodation to stay near him, as well as flights to and from the UK for Mike to maintain their rental business. The ordeal has inspired Karen to consider establishing a charity to assist other families facing similar circumstances. She shared: "We've raised £5,500 from the GoFundMe so far and we are so grateful. That's gone to equipment, our costs, and trying to get Sam home, and we wouldn't have been able to do all that without the support. "It's made me want to help other families in this position as there is just so much to think about that you don't realise. You're stressed and just trying to be there but you have to think about booking flights, accommodation, and asking the hospital all the right questions. "If someone was there with you to advise you on all that it would make it a lot easier. So I want to look into sorting that soon. Any funds leftover from the GoFundMe will go towards that." Currently, Sam is unable to walk but is expected to start his recovery journey once he begins physiotherapy in the UK. He is eager to return as quickly as possible to see his two-year-old son. To contribute to his GoFundMe, visit this page. To sign Karen's petition for a change in travel insurance law, click here.
Telegraph
17-07-2025
- Telegraph
Why it pays to choose the right travel insurance
We don't always plan for the worst when we're thinking about our dream holiday – after all, nobody wants to consider things going wrong when they could be daydreaming about kicking back poolside in the blazing hot sun. But any perfect trip can quickly turn into a costly ordeal if the right insurance isn't in place. While many rely on a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or the travel perks offered by credit cards, these solutions can be inadequate when something goes wrong, whether that's before you travel or while you're away on your trip. And it's not just overseas trips that benefit from travel insurance – even UK holidays can be disrupted by illness, lost possessions or cancellations. Post Office travel insurance won't leave you hanging. It offers three different levels of cover with a range of benefits that suit your travel needs, such as no upper age limit on single-trip policies, consideration of all medical conditions, 24/7 GP access while abroad* and kids under 18 going free, subject to there being no pre-existing medical conditions. Don't let your cover fall short Relying solely on a GHIC or credit card insurance can potentially leave you dangerously exposed when you're overseas. The GHIC, for example, provides access to state-provided healthcare in EU countries but does not cover private healthcare costs or medical repatriation to the UK. These are expenses that can quickly escalate into thousands of pounds. GHIC is only valid in certain European countries and offers no protection for trip cancellations, lost luggage or travel delays. With credit card travel insurance, meanwhile, claim limits can be low, excess limits can be high, add-ons may be limited, exclusions can be common – such as medical conditions or age – and some adventurous activities might not even be covered at all. Plus, the cover may only cover the policy holder, not the whole family. A more inclusive approach to travel insurance It can be difficult and disheartening for older travellers and those with health conditions to find suitable insurance. Many providers impose strict age limits or exclude pre-existing conditions, leaving people unprotected or facing hefty premiums. Post Office takes a more inclusive approach. Its travel insurance has no upper age limit for single-trip cover and all medical conditions are considered on application. This means that whether you're a student or a retiree you can explore the world with confidence knowing you're protected. With Post Office Travel Insurance you just complete a medical screening online or by phone, declaring any pre-existing conditions and prescribed medication. Post Office aims to provide cover wherever possible, and if a condition is too complicated they'll help you find a provider that's right for you. This can be ideal if you've been previously excluded from travel insurance. 24/7 GP access abroad* as standard Falling ill in a foreign country can be worrying, especially if you're trying to navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems or language barriers. Medical Assistance Plus is included as standard in every policy. This will give you 24-hour access to an online GP with in-person or video consultation in your own language as an option, which is free of charge, with no excess to pay. Prescriptions can be issued and sent to the nearest pharmacy to suit you, all of which can be claimed back, with no excess to pay. Always make sure that you fully disclose all medical conditions on any questionnaires before you travel to ensure that your cover remains valid for the duration of your trip, otherwise you could face unexpected charges should you fall ill. The kids are all right The cost of taking your entire family abroad can quickly escalate (and that's before you've spent a week's wages on ice cream). Travelling as a family can be expensive, but Post Office travel insurance allows children under 18 who have no pre-existing medical conditions to go free on family policies, making comprehensive cover more accessible and affordable. This means everyone can be protected against medical emergencies as well as lost backpacks containing beloved teddies. Peace of mind for the whole journey Post Office travel insurance offers cover beyond medical emergencies. All policies include protection for trip cancellation or curtailment, lost or stolen belongings (including baggage, money and passports), legal protection, personal liability and personal accident. There are also optional add-ons available for an additional premium such as gadget cover and trip disruption, which covers natural disasters, airport disruption and similar major events. If you travel frequently there are convenient annual multi-trip policies. Travel is about freedom, discovery and making memories. But it's also about being prepared for the unexpected. Wherever your journey takes you, travel with the confidence that comes from knowing you're in safe hands with Post Office travel insurance. Visit your local Post Office branch or go to and get holiday ready now. *Medical Assistance Plus is not available for trips taken in the UK, only for international travel. The service allows up to three separate medical events per person listed on the policy, and up to three appointments per event. All appointment charges are covered by your travel insurance policy. You will not need to pay any excess fees for this service. You may need to pay for your prescription upfront and claim on your return home.
Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Dad who plunged from Cyprus hotel balcony left unable to walk
Sam Hudson, 24, had been staying at Anmaria Beach Hotel in Ayia Napa when he fell from the second floor on June 15. A holidaymaker has been left unable to walk after suffering a horror fall from a hotel balcony in Cyprus. Sam Hudson was staying at the Anmaria Beach Hotel in Ayia Napa with his step-brother when he fell from the second floor on June 15. The dad, 24, had been drinking and was trying to leap between balconies. He was raced to hospital for treatment to pelvis and spinal injuries. His stepmum, Karen, received a call informing her that Sam had "sustained serious bone injuries" and needed to be moved to Nicosia General Hospital for critical care. Sam, who is a dad-of-one, was rushed into intensive care due to a shattered pelvis, fractures to the L4 and L5 vertebrae, and a broken leg, enduring over seven hours of surgery. Without travel insurance, Sam faced delays as he awaited a Global Health Insurance Card before doctors would proceed with the operation. After spending just over a week in the hospital, he was then moved to the Orthopaedic ward. Sam told the Mirror: "I do not remember anything, how it happened, nothing. I keep having nightmares about the accident. I was in a lot of pain and had a high dose of pain killers for the first 10 days which meant I was not really aware of how bad the situation was. "I had a broken pelvis at the right hand side near the leg joint, broken something in the lower part of pelvis, also broken an area at the back of my spine some small bones that stick out the back of the lower spine." Upon Sam's return home to Lincoln, he will need immediate physiotherapy and will be admitted to hospital for rehabilitation. The father will then embark on the challenging journey of learning to walk again. A fundraiser has been set up for his family to cover the costs of his travel home. Karen said: "Sam has not received any physiotherapy and urgently needs to return to the UK to be admitted to hospital for rehabilitation - to begin the long process of learning to stand and walk again. He still has fractures in his pelvis and lower spine that have not been addressed, as they're not considered emergencies. "However, from viewing the X-ray, these areas appear to be shattered, and we are concerned about the assumption that they will simply heal on their own. Trying to coordinate all of this has been a logistical nightmare for us as a family." She is initiating a petition urging the UK government to make travel insurance a legal requirement for anyone travelling abroad. Karen added: "Make sure always make sure you have travel insurance - no matter what. It's essential, and you should always read the small print to understand exactly what is and isn't covered. "Equally important is having a GHIC card, which can cover emergency medical treatment within the EU. If you have it with you, the NHS can fund your care, and treatment can begin immediately without unnecessary delays. "I strongly believe that travel insurance and a valid GHIC card should be made compulsory. When booking a flight or holiday, travellers should be required to enter both their insurance policy number and GHIC reference number. "This would ensure that everyone is adequately protected and could help prevent other families from experiencing the distress and uncertainty we faced - not knowing how we would manage the costs involved in getting Sam home and ensuring he received the care he needed."
Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Brits flying to Europe urged to get free card that could save them hundreds
The card provides free or reduced-cost medical treatment while travelling overseas and could save you a lot of money Brits planning a holiday in Europe this summer are being advised to secure a free card that could save them a large sum in potential medical costs. The valuable card allows holders to benefit from free or reduced-cost healthcare while abroad. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which took over from the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), is an essential piece of kit for travellers. Although it's still wise to have comprehensive travel insurance, the GHIC provides access to public healthcare services across much of Europe at a reduced cost or even for free. The NHS website states: "The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay." For those who already have an EHIC, it remains valid until its expiry date. Once expired, a new GHIC will need to be obtained. Remember that receiving your GHIC by post can take up to 15 days, so it's advisable to apply well before your intended travel date. How to apply for a GHIC As reported by the Liverpool Echo, all UK residents are eligible for a UK GHIC, and you can include family members within one application. When applying, you'll be required to provide: Your full name Residential address Date of birth National Insurance number Health and Care number (applicable to Northern Ireland residents) Each person needs their own individual card. And you can include your partner and children when submitting your application. Expect to receive confirmation from the NHS within 24 hours of submitting your application, either approving or declining it (and don't forget to check your spam folder). Further details or documents might be required before final approval. However, should you find yourself abroad without your card and need emergency medical treatment, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) for interim cover. Where to use your card Your card enables you to access essential state-provided healthcare while travelling, which cannot be delayed until you return to the UK – commonly referred to as "medically necessary healthcare". This includes: Emergency situations and A&E treatment Ongoing treatment or routine care for chronic or existing medical conditions Standard maternity services, assuming you're not travelling specifically to give birth It's vital to arrange specific treatments such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy with healthcare providers in your destination country, as local services may not always be prepared to cater to these requirements. The decision on whether treatment is medically necessary is determined by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting. State-provided healthcare isn't always complimentary outside of the UK. You might have to pay for treatments that are free on the NHS if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting. Before travelling, it's advised to research the state-provided healthcare services in the country you're visiting and any potential charges you might incur. You can find information on how to access treatment in the country you're visiting by checking the relevant country guide on However, a GHIC (or EHIC) card does not replace travel and medical insurance or cover services like: Medical repatriation (being flown back to the UK) Treatment in a private medical facility Ski or mountain rescue Therefore, the NHS recommends securing private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip. A UK GHIC can be used when visiting: A nation within the European Economic Area (EEA) Montenegro Australia Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man St Helena, Tristan and Ascension If you belong to one of the following categories, you can use a UK GHIC: A British national A Swiss national An EU citizen A refugee A stateless person A family member of someone who holds one of the above nationalities or statuses Article continues below The UK government is presently in discussions with numerous countries to broaden the reach of the UK GHIC. Therefore it's always wise to verify coverage prior to setting off on your travels. For further details, visit the NHS website here.
Leader Live
11-07-2025
- Leader Live
Warning for UK travellers going to US as ESTA fee to double
The US Congress has passed a new bill that will see the ESTA application fee increase from $21 to $40 (£30). ESTA, which stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an automated system employed by the United States to ascertain the eligibility of visitors wishing to enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Citizens from VWP countries intending to visit the US for tourism, business, or transit for no more than 90 days require an ESTA. Kerry Manley, head of marketing at North America travel specialist Journeyscape, advised: "The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays. 'Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details—such as passport information and travel itinerary—can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials.' Applications must be submitted online via the official US government website. An approved ESTA remains valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner) and permits multiple entries into the US. The current application fee is $21, but it was recently announced that it's set to rise to $40, nearly double the current cost. Although there is currently no set date for this to happen, it is expected ahead of 2026 travel. While it's not mandatory to have a confirmed flight and accommodation, it's helpful to have some information about your travel itinerary ready. You will be asked where you will be staying in the US, even if just a city name. While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval. Recommended reading: Warning issued to Brits with GHIC or EHIC amid expiry dates What is a GHIC, which countries accept it and how do you apply? What to know Summer's hottest facial SPF suncreams and products, ranked Ms Manley continued: 'Additionally, staying informed about recent rule changes is essential, especially for travellers who may be affected by the latest restrictions, such as those related to travel history in Cuba. 'Even with a valid ESTA, remember that entry to the U.S. is ultimately determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection. 'Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Following these steps will help ensure a seamless travel experience, minimizing stress and maximizing your trip's success."
