From doctors’ visits to missed flights – the travel mishaps shaping insurance claims
New research highlights the frequency of medical, transport, and disruption-related incidents affecting holidaymakers
Nearly one in five holidaymakers have needed to visit a doctor while abroad, according to new research that highlights the range of incidents travellers continue to face during overseas trips.
A survey commissioned by specialist travel insurer Multitrip.com found that 59% of people who travel abroad at least once a year had either experienced travel disruption themselves or travelled with someone who had.
Medical issues featured prominently in the findings, with 19% of respondents saying they or a travelling companion had required treatment or advice from a doctor while overseas. A further 10% said hospital treatment had been necessary during a trip.
The research also pointed to the continued impact of transport disruption on travellers. Almost a quarter (23%) reported experiencing cancelled or delayed transport, while 12% said they had missed a flight or onward connection.
Problems before departure also remained common. One in 10 respondents said they had been forced to cancel a holiday, while 9% had cut a trip short because of illness, a family emergency or another unexpected event.
Losses involving personal belongings were also frequently reported, with 15% experiencing lost or damaged luggage and 9% saying money or other personal items had been stolen while travelling.
Christian Bennett of Multitrip.com said that although most holidays pass without incident, the financial consequences when something goes wrong can be substantial. “Medical bills overseas can quickly escalate, making travel insurance an essential part of planning a trip,” he warned.
Bennett also noted that while the UK’s Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can provide access to state healthcare in participating European countries, it does not replace comprehensive travel insurance, as it does not cover costs such as medical repatriation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or other travel-related losses.
The findings were based on an Opinium survey of 1,016 UK adults who take at least one holiday abroad each year, conducted in February 2026.
A recent Allianz survey found that travellers are increasingly prioritising travel insurance for the peace of mind and practical support it provides as disruption and uncertainty continue to shape international travel.