A British hiker has been slapped with a jaw-dropping £12,200 bill after being dramatically rescued from an avalanche in Italy, raising questions about post-Brexit emergency costs.
The unnamed adventurer was trekking in the Italian Alps when disaster struck. A sudden avalanche left them stranded, prompting a high-risk rescue operation involving helicopters and specialist teams.
But the dramatic salvation came with a shocking price tag. Italian authorities have demanded payment for the complex operation – a cost that would have been covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before Brexit.
Mounting Anger Over Rescue Costs
The hefty bill has sparked fury among British hikers and mountaineering groups. Many argue that such charges could deter people from calling for help in life-threatening situations.
"This sets a dangerous precedent," warned a spokesperson for the British Mountaineering Council. "People shouldn't have to weigh up the financial implications when their life is at risk."
How Brexit Changed the Rules
Before Brexit, UK citizens could rely on the EHIC system which guaranteed free or low-cost emergency medical treatment across Europe. The replacement Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) offers similar cover, but with crucial differences in mountain rescue scenarios.
Experts explain that while medical treatment remains covered, the cost of actual rescue operations now often falls to the individual in many European countries.
What This Means for British Travellers
The incident serves as a stark warning to UK adventurers heading to the Alps:
- Check your travel insurance covers mountain rescue
- Understand that basic GHIC coverage may not be enough
- Consider specialist insurance for high-risk activities
With winter sports season approaching, tour operators are urging Britons to review their policies carefully to avoid similar financial shocks.
