Majority of Holiday Cancellation Claims Due to Illness, Not Travel Disruptions

Recent research from Just Travel Cover has revealed some surprising statistics about why holidaymakers are cancelling their trips. While many people worry about travel disruptions, such as flight delays or cancellations, the reality is that the majority of cancellation claims are due to illness or family emergencies. In fact, nearly 89% of cancellation claims are linked to these personal issues, while only 8% relate to travel disruptions.

Key Findings from the Research

Dale Robinson, the Director at Just Travel Cover, commented on the findings, saying, "Travel disruption understandably captures people's attention because it's what they see in the headlines." However, the data from their analysis of 2,392 claims tells a different story. Here are some important statistics that emerged:

• 43% of all claims were for cancellation or curtailment.
• The average cancellation claim was £869.
• Emergency medical claims while abroad made up 56% of all claims costs.

These numbers highlight that while travel disruptions are certainly concerning, they are not the primary reason people end up making claims. Instead, personal health issues and family emergencies play a much larger role.

Anecdotal Examples

To illustrate the impact of these findings, Just Travel Cover shared a couple of real-life examples. One family had to cancel their holiday because their child contracted chickenpox just before they were due to leave, resulting in a claim of £5,300. In another case, a traveller required emergency surgery before their trip, which led to a claim of £12,562. These stories show how unexpected health issues can lead to significant financial losses for families who haven't planned for such emergencies.

Insurance Awareness

One of the most concerning statistics from the research is that around 60% of travellers have not yet purchased travel insurance, even though 78% of them have a holiday booked or planned. This suggests that many people might be unaware of the risks involved in travelling without insurance. It is essential for travellers to consider the potential costs of cancelling a trip due to illness or emergencies, which could be far greater than the price of travel insurance itself.

Encouraging Responsible Travel

Given these findings, it is crucial for travellers to take proactive steps to protect themselves. Purchasing travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of unexpected issues. With the holiday season approaching, it is a good time for people to review their travel plans and ensure they are adequately covered.

Travel insurance is not just a safety net against flight cancellations; it can cover a range of situations, including medical emergencies abroad, lost luggage, and trip interruptions. Understanding what is included in a policy can help travellers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary stress during their holidays.

As holidaymakers prepare for their trips, the message is clear: don't be part of the 60% who risk travelling without insurance. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when unexpected events can lead to costly claims.

The research from Just Travel Cover serves as a timely reminder for everyone planning a holiday to think carefully about their travel insurance needs. With the right coverage, travellers can focus on enjoying their time away instead of worrying about what might go wrong.