HUNDREDS of Brits visiting Spain are being put at risk every day because the travel insurance they've been sold doesn't actually offer them the medical cover they need.
It means that holidaymakers are either being left out of pocket, or they're having to be transferred mid-treatment to save money.
The Spanish Association of Private Hospitals (ASPE) said some insurers are selling policies to Brits that include "medical assistance".
However, what's not obvious from the policies is that they only provide cover for treatments in the state-run heath clinics in the country and not in private facilities.
In fact, Brits can already get free medical treatment in Spain's state-run clinics through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
But when they try to access the private hospitals, they are saddled with extortionate fees.
According to The Times, it means that the Brits affected are having to be transferred to a state-run clinic, sometimes in the middle of their treatment, or face a bill (on average) in the region of €4,000 (£3,598).
And up to 800 Brits are hit with these unexpected costs everyday through what's potentially "fraudulent practices".
Worryingly, it's not just the hefty fees that Brits could face – it's the fact that their health could be directly affected.
David Medina, a spokesman for ASPE, said: "We don’t know why this is a British travel insurance question in particular.
“All we know is a few dodgy operators have found a great money-spinner and are taking away business from the majority of British insurance companies that work on the straight and narrow.”
He added: "This situation places the health of British travellers at serious risk.
"The insurer forces the private hospital to refer them to a public hospital as soon as possible, sometimes even in cases where a transfer compromises the patient’s health."
Since 2016, ASPE is said to have reported 15 British insurers to the Financial Conduct Authority over the issue, although no confirmed action has been taken.
A spokesman for the FCA told The Times: “We are aware of allegations but we cannot comment further.”
Sun Online Travel previously revealed how you could be charged up to £2,583 a night by foreign hospitals if you're not insured on holiday.
In the past, Spain has been named the holiday destinations where Brits are most likely to suffer a mishap.
There are also ways to get affordable travel insurance if you suffer from a pre-existing medical condition.
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