Are you an insurer, assistance provider or mobility partner supporting policyholders travelling in Europe? This article is for you. The purpose is to highlight the risk areas most likely to drive disruption, higher case complexity and customer dissatisfaction in 2026 – and what typically reduces friction when conditions change quickly.
Many travellers use alerts and travel-risk apps to stay informed. That can help. But when disruption hits, the differentiator is turning changing conditions into action: care navigation, roadside recovery, rerouting, local provider coordination and clear communication.
At a glance – The Top 5 risks to watch
- Border changes and queue risk (EES / ETIAS)
- Extreme weather and localised disruption
- Capacity strain (air/rail/road) and cascading delays
- Cyber and data threats for travellers
- Medical access and care navigation challenges
1) Border changes and queue risk (EES / ETIAS)
New EU border systems mean more checks and potential bottlenecks, especially in peak periods. Expect missed connections, rebooking needs and higher inbound contact volumes.
Impact on case handling: more time-critical rerouting decisions – so proactive documentation guidance and fast rebooking pathways matter.
2) Extreme weather disruption
Storms, flooding, heat and winter events increasingly cause transport shutdowns and access issues. This quickly becomes a medical + mobility problem, not just a delay.
Where it escalates: localised surges and delayed access to care – so clear triage, surge procedures and trusted local providers become critical.
3) Capacity strain and knock-on delays
When networks run hot, small incidents cascade into limited rebooking options and long waits – increasing case complexity and dissatisfaction.
Operational pressure point: fewer alternatives and more manual handling – so speed of decision-making and pre-agreed supplier routes reduce resolution time.
4) Digital threats (phishing, account compromise, device risk)
Travellers on public Wi-Fi and in transit remain vulnerable to fraud and credential theft, creating new support and claim scenarios.
Common claim drivers: account compromise and payment fraud – so simple “what to do next” guidance and clear escalation routes minimise stress and delays.
5) Geopolitical volatility and localised security incidents
Even when travel continues, local incidents can affect routes, events and traveller confidence – creating sudden spikes in calls, rerouting needs and support requests.
Partner implication: demand rises fast and messaging must stay consistent – so aligned incident protocols and trusted-source verification protect outcomes and reputation.
6) Medical access and care navigation
The risk is often not the condition – it’s finding the right care quickly, in the right language, at the right cost level.
What good looks like: right care, first time – enabled by strong triage, multilingual case handling and active provider management.
7) Roadside and mobility disruption (multi-country complexity)
Cross-border breakdowns add complexity: towing rules, parts, repair timelines, onward travel and accommodation.
Service delivery focus: keep the customer moving – through mobility-first solutions, transparent ETAs and reliable cross-border roadside coordination.
8) Local rules, fees and “policy whiplash”
New local charges and regulations add friction and confusion, driving disputes and coverage questions.
Risk control move: keep customer guidance current – clear FAQs reduce “why wasn’t I told?” disputes and unnecessary contacts.
9) Information overload and misinformation (including AI-generated)
Fast-moving situations combined with unreliable online content can lead travellers to make the wrong call -wrong documentation, wrong location, wrong timing.
Avoidable friction: misinformation drives avoidable contacts and missed deadlines – so verify critical details with trusted sources and local partners, then give clear next steps.
10) Rising expectations: speed, transparency and empathy
In 2026, experience is a risk category. Poor handling drives complaints, churn and reputational damage.
Experience risk: silence feels like failure – so proactive updates and strong case ownership are as important as the outcome itself.
What this means for insurers and assistance partners
Across these risks, the differentiator in 2026 is operational: cross-border coordination, surge resilience, and communication customers can trust. Travel conditions can change quickly, so strong assistance is built on reliable local capability and disciplined case handling that uses verified information where it matters most—then acts on it.
Travel Support Europe supports partners with coordinated medical and roadside assistance across Europe, designed to reduce disruption, shorten time-to-resolution and protect the customer experience.
