Holidaymakers thinking less about safety abroad, focusing more on price

New research from AllClear Travel Insurance suggests that a growing number of holidaymakers are less focused on their safety when travelling abroad, with more concern around the price of the trip.

This attitude has been seen particularly in those with underlying health conditions.

The findings showed that among those with an underlying health condition, the proportion of holidaymakers considering safety as an important factor in their holiday choices has fallen sharply in 12 months – down from 58 per cent in 2021 to 37 per cent now.

However, those now prioritising price and value for money has risen from 39 per cent to 57 per cent.

Other factors that have overtaken safety in the list of priorities among vulnerable travellers included convenience (42 per cent) and wellbeing (42 per cent). Safety was actually the only decision-making factor that had fallen, while all others rose.

Can’t get coverage

The AllClear study also asked about people’s approach to travel insurance when travelling abroad. Among those with underlying health conditions, the proportion that assumed they would not be covered had risen from just under half (47 per cent) to 57 per cent in the space of two years.

Around 37 per cent would look for the best cover they could find but believed their condition would probably be excluded. Additionally, one in 10 travellers with an underlying health condition would not bother going on holiday at all.

Chris Rolland, CEO of AllClear, said: “It is understandable that travellers are looking to save money during these difficult times, but sacrificing safety for savings is a dangerous idea. 

“Quality cover that adequately meets an individual’s needs is essential. Safety needs to sit among people’s primary considerations when planning a holiday this summer, alongside cost and destination.”

He added: “For older people, or those with underlying health conditions, some wrongly assume they either can’t head abroad, or make do with cover that is not fit for purpose. Cutting corners, or worse going without, is a false economy that could result in medical emergency bills stretching into the tens of thousands of pounds or more.”