Copyright thewest
A survey yesterday revealed that one in seven Australian travellers went on their last overseas trip without any travel insurance. And younger travellers stand out among them, with 23 per cent of under-30s going uninsured. The survey of 1001 travellers, conducted by Quantum Market Research for the Insurance Council of Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller, found that: + 65 per cent of those who travelled without insurance gave it some thought — then decided to go without. + 31 per cent decided not to get insurance as their destination was “perceived as safe”. TRENDS & DECISIONS + 45 per cent were willing to take risks in pursuit of unique or memorable experiences — such as trying unfamiliar foods (49 per cent) and visiting challenging environments (33 per cent). + 46 per cent had travelled, or would personally consider travelling, overseas for a medical procedure, most commonly dental care (30 per cent). GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT + 56 per cent agreed that the current global political environment has meant there are countries they will avoid. + 53 per cent feel less comfortable travelling overseas. + 41 per cent said it had made them less likely to go overseas. + 36 per cent agreed they had seen risky destinations promoted in a positive way in social media / media. + 70 per cent consumed alcohol while overseas, but only 43 per cent understood that travel insurance policies vary significantly in their alcohol coverage. + 39 per cent drank alcohol while either not covered (either completely uninsured or drank outside the limits of their insurance) or were unsure about their coverage.
