Cost pressures drive rise in travel insurance disclosure risks

Nearly half of UK adults with medical conditions would consider providing inaccurate information to secure cheaper travel insurance, according to new research from specialist insurer AllClear.

The survey found that 46% of respondents with medical conditions would consider misrepresenting information to reduce their premiums, up from 31% in June 2025 – an increase of 15 percentage points.

Among this group, 19% said they would consider understating the length of their trip, compared with 14% last year, while 17% would consider undervaluing their belongings, up from 12%.

The proportion willing to withhold details of pre-existing medical conditions increased from 8% to 13%, while 10% would consider misrepresenting their reasons for travelling, compared with 6% previously.

The findings suggest that financial pressures could be influencing how some consumers approach insurance applications, potentially increasing the risk of disputes where inaccurate information affects underwriting decisions or subsequent claims.

Affordability pressures influence insurance decisions

AllClear’s wider survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 72% were looking for ways to reduce the cost of overseas holidays.

Among respondents, 16% identified purchasing the cheapest available travel insurance or travelling without cover as a potential saving.

A separate finding showed that 72% would consider shopping around for cheaper insurance in future, with 36% of those respondents citing the cost-of-living crisis as a contributing factor. This increased to 39% among people with medical conditions.

Bhavek Rughani, Head of Marketing at AllClear Travel Insurance, said the findings reflected the financial pressures facing holidaymakers, particularly those requiring specialist cover.

He warned that reducing insurance costs at the expense of appropriate protection could leave travellers financially exposed if they required assistance or medical treatment overseas.