Travellers prioritise quality travel insurance as safety concerns rise

Travellers from the UK are increasingly prioritising comprehensive travel insurance over low-cost policies as geopolitical instability reshapes consumer attitudes ahead of the summer holiday season, according to new research from AllClear Travel Insurance.

The survey, conducted following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, found that 68% of UK holidaymakers now intend to purchase travel insurance based on quality and breadth of cover, compared with just 15% who said they would primarily seek the cheapest available policy.

The findings suggest a notable shift in traveller behaviour at a time when outbound demand remains resilient. Southern Europe and Mediterranean destinations continue to dominate summer travel plans for UK consumers for the fifth consecutive year, with 30% identifying the region as their preferred holiday choice.

Safety concerns, however, are becoming increasingly influential in purchasing decisions. Some 38% of respondents said health and personal safety abroad were now their main priority when travelling, up from 25% a year earlier.

The research also highlights growing demand for robust medical cover among travellers with pre-existing conditions. The proportion of consumers willing to pay higher premiums to guarantee medical condition coverage rose to 35%, up from 23% last year.

Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at AllClear, said geopolitical tensions had prompted consumers to focus more closely on “quality, comprehensive travel cover” and warned against under-disclosure of medical conditions, which remains prevalent despite heightened awareness of travel risks.