The UK’s peak insurance body has warned travellers that the costs of medical emergencies while abroad has hit a six-year high.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says 159,000 holidaymakers needed emergency treatment last year, costing £201 million ($352 million).

With 510,000 travel insurance claims in total, medical expenses accounted for 52% of claims costs, while cancellations made up 38% and lost baggage or money 4%.

The ABI warns treatment in the US is particularly costly, with one patient’s 15-day stay in hospital after a stroke costing £233,000 ($407,690).

A 33-day hospital stay in Las Vegas after a heart attack, including several outpatient appointments and a flight home, cost £187,000 ($327,202).

In another case, a serious car accident in Central America cost £95,000 ($166,225), including air ambulances to Florida for treatment and home to the UK.

However, one in five people admit travelling without insurance, the ABI says.

ABI Senior Policy Adviser Charlie Campbell says travel cover can cost “less than the average family meal while abroad”.