The price of falling ill abroad can exceed the average cost of a house in the UK, according to the Association of British Insurers.
New figures released by the body show that more than 3,000 travellers a week are making claims for emergency medical care while travelling abroad.
Most travel insurance claims come in at just over £700, but should patients require repatriation costs can soar.
Some treatments can cost more than an average UK house - £211,000.
One person faced a bill for more than £500,000 to treat a multiple fracture of the leg and artery tear in the USA with an air ambulance back to the UK.
But, despite this, one in five Britons travel without insurance.
Mark Shepherd, the ABI's manager of general insurance, says insurance is often the last thing travellers think of.
"People don't want to think about the bad things that can happen.
"It is really important to because it is basically not worth the risk to fall ill abroad and be saddled with what we are seeing as astronomical medical treatment bills, particularly in countries outside Europe.
"Anyone travelling overseas should always take out appropriate travel insurance for the duration of their trip and declare medical conditions when they take out their policy.
"A valid European Health Insurance Card when travelling in Europe is also strongly recommended."
The EHIC is free and provides access to state-provided healthcare on the same basis as a resident but won't cover some extra medical expenses and should not be seen as a substitute for insurance.
The ABI says an annual travel insurance policy costs an average of just £33.
Consumers should shop around for the best deal and consider the coverage carefully to ensure all activities, methods of travel and destinations are included in the policy.
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