At Stewarts, some of the most complex and challenging injury cases we handle involve individuals injured while travelling outside the European Union (EU). This article by Tobias Coster, paralegal, and Scott Rigby, partner, draws on our team’s experience supporting clients whose lives have been profoundly affected by accidents abroad.
International travel represents an exciting and culturally enriching opportunity. However, many travellers are unaware that if they are seriously injured in an accident abroad, particularly outside the EU, the level of compensation available may differ dramatically from what they would expect at home. In fact, the level of compensation available can vary significantly even between countries with close geographical proximity, including countries within or bordering continental Europe.
For those who sustain life-changing injuries, these differences can have profound and long-lasting consequences.
Within the EU, there are strict rules and regulations designed to increase the protection of individuals. In the case of road traffic collisions, there are minimum levels of compulsory motor insurance and clear rules regarding liability and compensation. Outside the EU, insurance requirements may be far less stringent.
For example, in Egypt, a popular tourist destination, third-party vehicle indemnity cover for personal injury may be as low as 40,000 LE (approximately £555). In contrast, within the EU, motor insurance directives require drivers to have a minimum of €6.45m in personal injury cover per accident (approximately £5.58m). While every case is different, this example illustrates how the same accident in two different countries can have vastly different outcomes for claimants.
In practice, this means that were you to unfortunately be seriously injured in a road traffic accident outside the EU, you may be limited in your ability to bring a claim for damages of a value necessary to support your rehabilitation and future needs. More generally, before you travel, it is important to follow FCDO Travel Advice to understand about heightened risks and to help keep you safe in the country you are visiting.
Risks of travelling without travel insurance
One of the most important and straightforward things you can do to protect yourself overseas, both within and outside the EU, is to purchase travel insurance before you travel. Statistics published by ABTA in May 2025 suggested that a quarter of holidaymakers in the preceding 12 months went on holiday abroad without travel insurance. Travel insurance will often cover at least £10-20m of medical expenses, which would cover any costs incurred following receipt of medical care overseas. Medical treatment outside the EU is often very expensive, and you will be expected to pay for any care provided. The cost of medical repatriation back to the UK can run into the hundreds of thousands of pounds, which is likely to be unaffordable for many without insurance to cover this cost.
“We often speak to people long after their holiday has ended, when the consequences of an accident abroad are only just becoming clear. That experience sits behind this article. It reflects the conversations we have with clients who never imagined that differences in local insurance limits could shape their recovery and future so profoundly. It explains clearly why planning ahead and getting the right advice can matter so much if someone is seriously injured outside the EU.”
Scott Rigby, Partner, International Injury.
Speak with our International Injury specialists
If you or a family member has been seriously or catastrophically injured while travelling outside the EU, early specialist advice can make a critical difference. International injury claims often involve limited or complex insurance arrangements, multiple jurisdictions and urgent rehabilitation needs.
Stewarts’ International Injury team acts exclusively for claimants and has extensive experience pursuing high‑value claims arising from accidents outside the EU, including cases involving road traffic collisions, hotel and holiday accommodation injuries, organised activities and other serious accidents abroad.
To discuss your circumstances in confidence and to understand what compensation and support may be available, please contact our International Injury team today.
