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If you’re planning a holiday this summer, you’re not alone. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions across parts of the world, British travellers remain determined to enjoy their time abroad.
What’s changing, however, is how people think about Travel Insurance.
Our latest research reveals that UK holidaymakers are increasingly prioritising quality cover and peace of mind over finding the cheapest possible policy. As concerns around health, safety and global uncertainty grow, many travellers are taking a more considered approach to protecting themselves before they leave home.
Safety is becoming a bigger priority for travellers
For many people, travel has always been about relaxation, exploration and making memories. But recent global events have highlighted just how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected.
According to our latest research, more than two-thirds (68%) of people planning a holiday this summer say they’ll look for Travel Insurance with quality cover or strong policy features. In comparison, only 15% say they’ll focus on finding the cheapest available option.
This shift suggests that travellers are increasingly recognising the value of comprehensive Travel Insurance, particularly when travelling abroad.
Health and safety concerns are also becoming more prominent. Nearly four in ten people (38%) now say their health and safety is a top priority when travelling overseas this summer, compared with 25% at the same time last year.
Travel remains a priority despite global uncertainty
While international tensions have understandably raised concerns for some travellers, they haven’t dampened enthusiasm for holidays abroad. Southern Europe and Mediterranean destinations continue to dominate summer travel plans, maintaining their position as the UK’s favourite holiday region for a fifth consecutive year.
Popular destinations such as Spain, Italy and Portugal remain attractive thanks to their warm weather, familiar resorts and established tourism infrastructure. However, many travellers are now spending more time researching destinations and considering what support would be available if something unexpected happened during their trip.
People with medical conditions are seeking greater peace of mind
Our research also highlights changing attitudes among travellers living with medical conditions.
More people are recognising the importance of having the right Travel Insurance in place before they travel. In fact, the proportion of adults who say they would be willing to pay more for their policy if they could be confident their medical conditions were covered has reached its highest level in three years.
The figure has risen from 23% to 35% in the past 12 months alone.
For anyone living with a pre-existing medical condition, having appropriate cover can provide reassurance that they’re protected if they need medical treatment abroad or if their plans are unexpectedly disrupted.
Commenting on the findings, Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at AllClear Travel Insurance, said:
“We see from our latest data that people still want to travel abroad this summer. That said, the conflict and tensions in various parts of the world have understandably triggered a mindset-change with many holidaymakers, who are now placing far greater emphasis on being safe abroad. For some, this may means spending more time researching safe holiday destinations, for others it may mean focusing more on premium resorts – but, for everyone, now is a time to focus on making sure they have quality, comprehensive travel cover they buy before they travel abroad.”
The risks of not declaring medical conditions
While safety is becoming more important to holidaymakers, our research also uncovered a concerning trend.
Almost one-third (31%) of travellers admitted they would be tempted not to provide full information when purchasing Travel Insurance if it helped reduce the cost of their policy. Even more concerning, 26% of people living with medical conditions said they may choose not to declare all relevant medical information in order to secure a cheaper premium.
While financial pressures continue to affect households across the UK, failing to declare medical conditions can have serious consequences.
When you buy Travel Insurance, it’s important to declare all pre-existing medical conditions accurately. If information is omitted or declared incorrectly, it could affect your ability to make a successful claim if something goes wrong during your trip.
Commenting on the findings, Garry added:
“Despite the current focus on safety, our research tells that that there are still 31% of people that say they would be tempted to not fully disclose medical information to save money on their travel insurance policy… Following the cost of living crisis, there are economic issues at play here, and the industry needs to do more to raise public awareness on the risks of non-disclosure. But in the current climate of consumers putting safety first, we encourage all holiday makers, especially those with medical conditions, to declare all their medical conditions when choosing the travel cover that best meets their needs.”
Taking a few extra minutes to complete medical screening accurately can help ensure you receive the cover that’s right for your circumstances.
Which destinations do travellers consider safest?
The research also explored which countries UK adults believe are among the safest places to visit this summer.
Spain topped the list, with 16% of respondents choosing it as the safest destination. Canada followed closely behind on 15%, with Italy, Portugal and Sweden also ranking highly.
Top destinations perceived as safest for summer travel
| Country | Given current conflicts in some parts of the world, the safest place to go on holiday this summer | Places where people think they could pay the medical bills themselves |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 16% | 21% |
| Canada | 15% | 11% |
| Italy | 13% | 15% |
| Portugal | 12% | 13% |
| Sweden | 11% | 11% |
| Germany | 7% | 16% |
| USA | 6% | 12% |
Interestingly, many respondents also believed they would be able to pay for their own medical treatment if they became ill or injured while visiting some of these destinations. However, overseas medical costs can quickly become expensive, particularly if emergency treatment, hospital stays or medical repatriation are required.
Choosing Travel Insurance that gives you confidence
When comparing Travel Insurance policies, price will always play a role. But our latest research suggests more people are looking beyond headline premiums and considering the overall quality of cover.
Before buying a policy, it’s worth considering:
- Whether your destination is fully covered
- If all pre-existing medical conditions are declared
- The level of medical expenses cover available
- Cancellation and curtailment protection
- Emergency medical assistance services
- Cover for baggage, valuables and travel disruption
The right policy should give you confidence that you’ll have support if something unexpected happens while you’re away.
Travel with confidence this summer
While no one can predict every eventuality, having comprehensive Travel Insurance in place can help you travel with confidence and focus on enjoying your trip. As travellers increasingly prioritise safety and peace of mind, it’s clear that quality cover is becoming just as important as choosing the right destination. Taking the time to choose the right Travel Insurance could make all the difference.
