As the summer holiday season peaks, new research from AllClear Travel Insurance shows a concerning trend: more UK travellers are cutting back on or forgoing travel insurance entirely, a decision fuelled by rising holiday costs and misconceptions about coverage.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults revealed that 80% plan to reduce their holiday spending this summer. While budget options like hand-luggage-only travel and cheaper flights are common, an increasing number are skipping insurance or opting for the cheapest available policy.
The percentage of people travelling without any insurance has risen from 9% last year to 15% this year. Among those purchasing insurance, 30% now choose the cheapest policy, up from 20% last year.
This issue is particularly concerning among travellers with pre-existing medical conditions. Of this group, 21% would travel without insurance, 30% would pick the lowest-cost policy, and 13% admitted to withholding their full medical history to reduce premiums. One in five would skip insurance entirely for short-haul trips.
Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at AllClear, commented, “These decisions aren’t just about saving money—they reflect a misunderstanding. Travel insurance should be seen as a safety net, not a commodity.”
Older travellers tend to be more cautious, with only 9% of over-55s planning to travel uninsured. In contrast, younger travellers are more likely to cut costs. Among under-25s, 93% are looking to save on holiday spending, with 19% willing to travel without insurance, and 22% believing “all travel policies are broadly the same.”
“These aren’t just statistics—they represent real risks,” Nelson added. “Cutting costs in the wrong areas can be a dangerous false economy.”
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