To think that it should be illegal to go abroad without travel insurance

I think the trouble is, that there are so many horror stories of people getting caught out when they have to claim on travel insurance, so a lot of people don't think it's worth getting it. I myself have heard stories of people who have paid for travel insurance, then had an accident, or become really sick whilst abroad, and because they failed to mention, when taking out the policy, that they saw the doctor for something really minor, that happened years ago, the insurer won't pay up!

However, in saying that, I have always taken out travel insurance myself, and was extremely grateful for it, when I had a severe health problem whilst in Spain, which came close to requiring me to be medivaced home. Thankfully, because we had a holiday home in the area, we were able to stay on until I was well enough to travel, but had I needed it, my insurance would have paid for it. To me, it's worth it, just for the peace of mind.

I totally.agree. I was on holiday in Prague with a friend. In passing so mentioned she did not have insurance. I was shocked and angry.

My family member can't get travel insurance because of several long term conditions. Are you suggesting he should never be able to travel abroad?

If the cousin's a UK resident eligible for the NHS, a GHIC card should have covered emergency care (although not medical evacuation).

Some countries do require proof of a certain level of travel insurance as a condition of entry. I went to Belarus in 2017, when they'd basically just simplified tourist visas for about 30 countries, and they checked the insurance at border control; anyone who did not have appropriate proof of sufficient coverage had to buy the available local insurance on the spot or be turned back. Obviously, this was a money maker for them, hence checking only on arrival rather than before allowing passengers to bard the plane. Spain does requires proof of insurance for visa applicants (I believe all Schengen countries do) but if you're eligible for a visa waiver that doesn't apply.

I wouldn't worry about the GoFundMes though; no one's forced to contribute.

I agree.
I just paid for my sons spanish holiday insurance £5 aprox ,any body who chooses not to pay insurance is an idiot.

If you can afford a holiday you can afford the insurance. You’re right OP this is selfish. I’d be ignoring the request

Nah, the price would probably quadruple overnight if it was illegal not to have it.

I wouldn't travel without it and I always insist my adult sons prove they're taken out insurance, before I stop nagging 😊

But there'd have to be some sort of legislation to stop insurers taking the piss more than some already do.

I haven't been abroad in a while but I thought it was already illegal. I'd never risk driving on foreign roads and anyway, why would I want to drive whilst on holiday?

Personally, I don't think it should be illegal to travel without insurance but very unwise as it can complicate things if you do fall ill or become injured abroad.