The Top Travel Troubles of 2018

Mar 14, 2019 | Aon

Americans planned getaways to all corners of the globe in 2018. While some journeys produced Instagram-worthy memories, others were over before they even began. As 2018 came to a close, Aon Affinity Travel Practice analyzed the data on the top travel claims filed last year, revealing that the top reason for a claim stemmed from the need to cancel a trip entirely.

“We’ve been in the industry for decades, so it comes as no surprise to us that trip cancellation continues to be the number one reason travelers file a claim with us,” said Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity’s Travel Practice. “But as the top claims reveal, travel insurance also plays an important role in protecting your investment after your depart for your trip.”

Rounding out the top insurance claims of 2018:

Trip Delay– Stranded passengers filed claims to cover everything from a comforting meal and a warm bed to transportation to catch up with a cruise ship that had set sail without them.

Medical– Particularly in-demand among passengers traveling abroad, where U.S. health insurance policies and Medicare may not apply, the medical benefit of a travel insurance policy helped cover unforeseen accidents and illnesses – like treating a jellyfish sting from a snorkeling expedition or getting medication for a sudden illness like strep throat or the flu.

Trip Interruption– Consumers are often so focused on getting their vacation started that they never think about the possibility of it being interrupted – but it happens. This benefit was most frequently activated to cover additional expenses incurred to change plans mid-trip due to an illness in the travel party, and to reimburse travelers for the portion of the trip they missed.

“The more complex the trip, the higher the likelihood a traveler will invest in travel protection resources,” Godlin said. “We find that travelers headed to exotic, international destinations or planning their trips far in advance are to be more likely to purchase some kind of insurance.”

Depending on the factors at play, it’s often worth adding a few additional dollars to the budget to have some protection against the unexpected. It’s also crucial to know how to read and understand the fine print of your policy. Examining factors like how far in advance you’re booking, your destination, the trip duration and overall cost will help you determine the need for travel insurance, as well as which policy is most appropriate to protect your journey.

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