Peace of mind becomes a priority as more travellers protect their trips

Americans are increasingly turning to travel insurance as flight disruptions, extreme weather, and rising travel costs create uncertainty around trips, according to Allianz Partners’ latest Global Travel Confidence Index.

The survey found that 42% of Americans had purchased or were likely to purchase travel insurance for summer travel, with peace of mind and protection against unexpected events among the top motivations. Travellers cited coverage for disruptions, trip cancellation, medical assistance, overseas medical expenses, and baggage issues as key reasons for buying protection.

Flexibility, claims support, and access to assistance are also driving decisions, with 58% of insured travellers prioritising coverage options and flexibility, 50% valuing easy and fast claims processing, and 45% seeking access to a 24/7 contact centre.

Preferences vary by generation, with 94% of baby boomers who purchase insurance ranking trip cancellation coverage as important. Millennials are more focused on disruption protection and digital experiences, while Gen Z travellers place value on medical assistance and repatriation coverage (82%).

“Travel insurance isn’t just about protecting against major emergencies, it’s about helping travellers navigate the unexpected with confidence,” said Emily Hartman, General Manager at Allianz Partners. “Many travellers don’t realize the breadth of support available through travel protection until they need it.”

The survey highlights an ongoing education opportunity, with 51% of non-buyers saying the risk of something going wrong is too low and 35% citing cost concerns. Nearly half (48%) of insured travellers purchase coverage when booking their trip.