One third of travellers unaware that skipping vaccinations can void insurance
Cost, distrust of vaccines, and concerns about side effects are among the top reasons travellers skip recommended travel vaccinations, according to new JustCover data
A recent survey by Irish travel insurance specialist JustCover has revealed that a significant proportion of travellers are willing to head abroad without the recommended vaccinations.
The poll of 500 Irish holidaymakers found that one in three did not realise skipping advised vaccinations could invalidate their insurance, and 27% admitted they had already travelled without at least one recommended jab.
Top reasons for skipping vaccinations included concerns about side effects (26%), believing they were not personally at risk (24%), distrust of vaccines (24%), and cost (22%). Practical issues also played a role, with respondents citing difficulty getting appointments or failure to complete vaccine courses.
Lack of awareness of destination-specific requirements was also a key issue. A significant 28% of respondents said they rarely or never researched vaccine guidance before travelling, and almost one in four believed the health risks of forgoing jabs were exaggerated. Older travellers were more proactive, with those aged 65-plus far more likely to consult official international health sources than younger generations, such as Gen Z.
Younger travellers were also far more likely to skip vaccinations to save money, with 33% of 18–24-year-olds saying they would go without jabs to cut costs. JustCover warned this could backfire, as falling ill abroad could result in hefty medical bills and voided insurance if recommended vaccinations were not taken.
JustCover Director Peter Clark urged travellers to treat vaccinations as a core part of trip planning, noting: “While getting vaccinations takes time and money, the alternative of becoming seriously ill abroad is far worse.
“You should consider vaccinations and travel insurance costs equally as essential as hotels and flights when planning a trip, and, most importantly, don’t assume you’re not at risk due to your age or current health status,” he added.
Earlier this year, a Go.Compare survey found that four in 10 travellers might reconsider their holiday plans due to vaccine requirements.