A year defined by adventure travel and journeys with our pets
Carlos Nadal, Insurance Business Director at Iris Global, talks to ITIJ about why 2026 is the year when travellers will embrace personalised policies
In recent years, we have witnessed how travellers’ preferences have evolved toward more personalised, safe experiences tailored to their lifestyles. The year 2026 confirms this trend with three major highlights: the rise of pet-friendly tourism; the growing demand for guaranteed healthcare assistance; and the increase in adventure and sports travel. All of this requires specific coverage that insurance companies must be able to provide.
Pet-friendly tourism: an expanding reality
According to recent data, pet-friendly tourism is consolidating as a strategic segment. In 2025, 27% of pet owners in the US and the UK included their animals in their travels for the first time, and this figure continues to grow in 2026 thanks to more flexible regulations and adapted services in airlines, accommodation, and restaurants. Furthermore, the global pet industry could reach €460 billion by 2030, highlighting the magnitude of this phenomenon. This trend makes it essential for travel insurance to include specific coverage for pets, such as veterinary expenses or compensation in case of loss.
Health and safety: an absolute priority
On the other hand, health has become an unavoidable priority for travellers. The pandemic left a deep mark on risk perception, and today, medical assistance abroad is an indispensable requirement. Travellers seek guarantees that allow them to enjoy their trips with peace of mind, knowing that any health eventuality will be covered. This demand translates into insurance policies that include hospitalisation, surgical interventions, medications, and medical transportation, as offered by Iris Global.
In 2025, 27% of pet owners in the US and the UK included their animals in their travels for the first time
Adventure and sports: a growing market
Active tourism and sports experiences are also on the rise. According to the World Tourism Organization, outdoor activities and adventure travel have grown by 20% over the past two years, driven by the pursuit of wellbeing and contact with nature. However, these experiences carry additional risks: accidents on hiking trails; injuries in water sports; or even evacuations from remote areas. For this reason, specialised insurance for adventure travel includes specific coverage such as medical assistance or compensation for the loss of specialised sports equipment.
Iris Global’s response: innovation and flexibility
Faced with this new scenario, Iris Global continues to adapt its solutions to meet these emerging needs. Its travel assistance insurance not only offers comprehensive medical coverage anywhere in the world, but also incorporates optional guarantees that make a difference. The company has an international network that ensures quality service, managing everything from coordination with healthcare centres at the destination to repatriation in severe cases.
In addition, Iris Global addresses the rise of pet-friendly tourism with optional coverage for pets, which includes veterinary expenses and compensation in case of loss or illness of the animal. And for the most adventurous travellers, it offers specific policies for sports and extreme activities.
All these trends, along with others such as intergenerational travel or study trips, indicate where the market is heading. That is why insurance companies cannot miss the opportunity to adapt and offer flexibility that allows customers to design a tailor-made policy aligned with their way of travelling and living.
About Iris Global
Iris Global is a brand that provides global assistance and travel insurance solutions whose international travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage and the best medical assistance. For the provision of international travel assistance, Iris Global has its own Assistance Call Centre available 24/7 consisting of a highly qualified team of health professionals and a network of international health providers that ensure comprehensive coverage worldwide according to the highest quality standards.
Carlos Nadal
Insurance Business Director, Iris Global
Carlos is a professional with extensive experience in the insurance sector. He has been working for over 35 years in companies such as Ergo Group and Grupo Mutua Propietarios. Since 2016, he has held the position of Insurance Business Director at Iris Global, where he leads the strategy for travel, legal, and pecuniary loss insurance. His strategic approach, which combines both technical and business vision, along with his ability to coordinate diverse teams, has been essential in consolidating Iris Global’s position.
February 2026
Issue
In this issue of ITIJ we look at international student insurance, and consider the impact of geopolitical decisions on market demand; we examine what ensues when a fatality happens on board a cruise ship, and what the protocols are for management of the remains; and we look at younger groups eschewing travel insurance.
Editorial Team
The Editorial Team updates the ITIJ website daily, and works on features for the print edition. With expert industry knowledge and years of experience in writing about complex travel insurance issues, the Editorial Team is ready to investigate and report on the topics that matter most to ITIJ's readers.
