Travelling is one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re heading off for business, a weekend break, or a long-awaited family holiday. However, even the best-planned trips can take an unexpected turn. That’s why having the right travel insurance is more than just a formality. It’s a smart way to protect yourself financially and make sure you’ve got support when you need it most.
In this post, we’ll look at why travel insurance really matters, what the most common travel risks are, and how Travel Support Europe can be there for you when things don’t go to plan. We’ve also added some fresh insights from recent research into today’s travel trends.
Why travel insurance matters
Travel insurance acts as a safety net, protecting you from a range of unforeseen circumstances that could disrupt your trip. It can cover costs related to medical emergencies, cancellations, lost belongings, travel delays, or even natural disasters.
Beyond financial protection, travel insurance ensures you have access to professional support when things go wrong. Recent research by Nationwide, a UK bank, shows that medical expenses are the top concern for travellers, followed by flight delays and cancellations, and lost or stolen luggage. Yet 43 per cent of people still travel without any insurance at all. It’s a big risk, especially when travelling far from home or to a place with a complex healthcare system.
However, not all travel insurance policies are the same. The right cover for you will depend on your plans, your health, and even the types of activities you’ll be doing. One of the most common reasons for having a claim declined is not declaring a medical condition or forgetting to add cover for things like skiing or adventure sports. Making sure your policy is up to date and reflects your travel plans is absolutely essential.
Common travel risks
1. Medical emergencies
A sudden illness or accident abroad can be both emotionally and financially overwhelming. Medical care in foreign countries can be costly, and some nations require upfront payment for treatment. Without proper insurance, you might face hefty bills or even limited access to quality care.
2. Trip cancellations or interruptions
Life is unpredictable. Unforeseen events such as personal emergencies, natural disasters, or global health crises can force you to cancel or cut your trip short. Travel insurance helps you recover the money you’ve already spent on flights, hotels, and activities.
3. Lost or stolen belongings
From missing bags to stolen passports, these situations are all too common. Replacing essentials like medication or electronics can be costly and time-consuming without insurance.
4. Travel delays and missed connections
When flights are delayed or cancelled, it can quickly turn into a domino effect. You might need to book a hotel, arrange alternative transport, or pay for extra meals. Insurance can ease the pressure when that happens.
5. Taking part in adventurous activities
Plenty of us enjoy a bit of excitement on holiday. In fact, a recent survey found that water sports, cycling, hiking, and skiing are among the most popular high-risk activities. But these often require extra cover. Without it, your claim could be turned down.
How Travel Support Europe can assist you
Travel Support Europe play a vital role in supporting policyholders when things don’t go to plan. We work in partnership with insurance companies and other organisations to deliver travel assistance services across Europe. That means when you’re covered by a policy that includes our services, we’re the team on the ground helping you through the tough moments.
Medical assistance
If you fall ill or get injured abroad, we’re here to coordinate care. From arranging emergency treatment and liaising with local healthcare providers to managing medical repatriation, we ensure you receive the right help quickly and efficiently.
Roadside assistance
Breakdowns can happen anywhere, but our 24/7 roadside assistance ensures you’re never stranded. From emergency towing and on-the-spot repairs to alternative transportation and vehicle repatriation, we provide quick, reliable support to get you back on track.
Managing travel disruptions
From organising alternative transportation to finding temporary accomodation, our team minimises the stress of disruptions. We’ll take care of the logistics to keep your journey as smooth as possible.
Repatriation services
In more cases of serious illness or injury, Travel Support Europe manages the full process of repatriation, ensuring patients are returned home safely and with the appropriate medical support.
Why choose Travel Support Europe?
Having the right travel insurance and the right support team can make all the difference when things don’t go to plan. At Travel Support Europe, we offer round-the-clock assistance with a strong local network throughout the continent.
For more information on our services, please contact us today!
