Damien Arthur, Executive Head of Travel at Allianz Partners Australia, expressed concern over the findings, stating that many travellers forgo insurance under the assumption that their destination is safe. However, unforeseen events such as accidents, medical emergencies, and travel disruptions can occur anywhere, leading to significant financial burdens for those without coverage.
The survey highlighted that younger travellers, particularly those under 30, and individuals born overseas are more likely to travel uninsured. Notably, 23% of both groups reported not purchasing travel insurance for their most recent trip. Additionally, travellers visiting friends, relatives, or returning to their home country often skip coverage, citing familiarity with the destination as a reason.
Arthur emphasised that unexpected incidents can happen even in destinations considered safe. For instance, medical emergencies in countries like Japan can result in claims amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, covering hospital care, extended accommodation, and repatriation costs.
Allianz Partners remains committed to assisting Australians in travelling with confidence. They encourage all travellers to assess their insurance needs carefully and ensure they are adequately protected against potential risks, regardless of their destination.
