Drop in Britons arrested overseas

05/08/2011

By Gemma Roberts

Fewer Britons have been arrested overseas in the past year but hospital admissions have risen, figures show.

In the 12 months to March 2011 there were 5,700 people arrested while abroad, according to Foreign Office figures.

This was down on the 2009/10 total, which saw 6,439 arrested, and lower than the 2008/09 figure of 6,919.

But the number of people requiring hospital treatment jumped from 3,689 in 2009/10 to 3,752 over the past year.

The Foreign Office is urging travellers to ensure they are protected by comprehensive travel insurance before jetting off this summer as overseas medical costs can soar.

Nick Starling, director of general insurance and health at the Association of British Insurers, said: "While delayed flights, stolen cameras or lost passports can be inconvenient, having to pay a huge medical bill after illness or injury can be devastating.

"Travel insurance is there to cover your medical care and help get you home so it should be at the top of everyone's holiday checklist."