New Zealanders love to travel. We often forget the cost of overseas medical attention or the cost of lossing our personal luggage. The following are just a couple of examples that show just how quickly costs can escalate.

• The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland disrupted airlines for months. Travellers were stuck in transit or waiting to depart. Cost of disruptions were estimated at $1.7 billion (Associated Press).

• Heart attack in Australia, Brian and his wife had travelled to Noosa, Gold Coast to stay in a time-share resort for two weeks. While staying there he suffered a heart attack and was admitted to hospital and was not expected to live. His daughters flew over to be with him and it was 'touch and go' for one week but Brian pulled through. He was hospitalised for a further 4 weeks before being able to fly home to New Zealand. He required a doctor escort and an upgrade to business class. The policy also covered his wife's additional accommodation costs and meals etc while he has hospitalised. Total cost $20,000.

• Motor vehicle accident in the United States, Richard and Sandra were traveling to a conference in the USA. They were involved in a traffic accident when another driver ran a red light while talking on his cell phone. The clients were rushed to hospital. Richard suffered a broken ankle and concussion; he required immediate surgery to insert a plate in to his ankle. Sandra broke her legs, suffered head injuries and severe bruising. She was in Intensive care for 3 days and required 3 operations. She then developed an infection in the titanium rod inserted in her leg and was readmitted to hospital and required further surgery to save her leg. She was hospitalized for a further two weeks and required a Business class upgrade to travel home. Total cost $340,000.