New York most expensive place to be ill

IT'S at the top of many Australian's travel wish list, but New York has also emerged as the most expensive place in the world to get seriously ill.

Travellers could face fees of up to $64,000 for three nights in intensive care, a survey by insurance company AAMI has revealed.

AAMI's national travel manager Heather McDonald said most people don't realise each state in the US has a different fee structure for medical expenses.

"Hospitals in popular US destinations for Aussie travellers, like California and Florida, charge up to $8,500 per night in intensive care, while the same treatment in a Hawaiian hospital can set you back up to $10,500 per night," she said.

"But New York City is by far the most expensive, with the amount per night priced between $16,000 and $21,500."

Hawaii was second on the list, with intensive care costs coming in at $10,500 a night, followed by Canada with $10,000 a night. France was fourth with $9,500 a night.

South East Asia is the cheapest place to fall ill, with hospitals in Thailand and Indonesia charging around $3,000 per night for treatment in intensive care. Vietnam hospitals charge up to $2,500 per night.

Ms McDonald said people should factor travel insurance into their travel budget, just as you would your airfare and spending money.