Tens of thousands of the UK's so-called medical tourists are risking severe financial losses by failing to ensure they are covered for surgical treatment abroad. Government figures show that the health tourism industry has burgeoned over the last decade, with 70,000 people travelling overseas for cosmetic or elective medical surgery last year. However, in a poll conducted by Post Office Travel Services it was found that 36 per cent of these underwent surgery without having first checked their travel insurance cover. This is despite the fact that pre-planned surgery is not covered by standard policies. Thus, in the event of a complication or accident during surgery they could find themselves facing a large and unforeseen medical bill, Helen Warburton, head of Post Office Travel Services warned. She added: "We urge travellers planning to travel abroad for surgery to be honest with their insurance provider about their plans and ensure they are open about any pre-existing medical conditions. "It's vital to read the small print of travel documents carefully before you travel to ensure you are covered if you need to make a claim."

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