Revealed: The biggest risks Irish holidaymakers take abroad as many go without insurance
Those who ended up needing it were then out of pocket to the tune of €816 each
New figures have laid bare the biggest risks Irish holidaymakers take while abroad.
A new survey of 1,000 jetsetters has revealed six in 10 have gone abroad without insurance – but almost a fifth of those have been caught short.
The study found that 36% who went without insurance simply "forgot", while 59% deliberately didn't bother. But those who ended up needing it were then out of pocket to the tune of €816 each – having to fork out on a hospital stay and medical bills (44%), extra nights in a hotel (31%) and new flights (30%).
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Falling ill unexpectedly (29%), having an accident (26%) and issues with luggage not arriving (18%) were among the top reasons for needing insurance. And 15% have even had to pay the full cost of a holiday they didn’t go on due to things like jury service, pregnancies and redundancies halting their travel plans. It also emerged 86% of those who travelled without cover and were caught out will always book insurance from now on.
Clem Walshe, commercial director Ireland at loveholidays, which commissioned the survey, said: "Booking a holiday without travel insurance comes with risks, and our research indicates not all holidaymakers are aware of them.
"Things outside of your control can prevent you from going on a holiday you've already booked, or affect you while you're away, potentially leading to unexpected costs.
“Making sure you have the right insurance in place from the moment you book your holiday helps to protect you from those costs, whether that’s medical bills, extra stays in hotels, repatriation flights, or even the cost of a holiday you’re no longer able to go on.”
The research went on to find 75% feel most adventurous when they are on holiday, as it’s fun to explore new areas (70%), new surroundings are exciting (68%) and it is easier to step out of your comfort zone (63%).
With the biggest risks people take on holiday including going on an unfamiliar hike, leaving valuables in a hotel room and trying extreme sports. For this reason, 58% are likely to book travel insurance for an adventurous trip.
In general, 27% will book their holiday cover right before their trip, with 43% unaware it insures you from the moment you purchase it.
But 88% believe it is important that you don’t forget it, according to the stats by OnePoll.
Mr Walshe added: “There’s nothing wrong with letting your hair down on holiday and having fun. But you do need to be careful, and having the right protection in place just in case something happens is key.”
Top 10 risks Irish consumers take on holiday
1. Eating exotic cuisines
2. Mixing different foods you wouldn't normally
3. Not setting an alarm
4. Going on a hike somewhere you’re not familiar with
5. Leaving valuable items in your hotel room/accommodation
6. Trying extreme sports/water sports
7. Walking outside barefoot
8. Swimming in the sea at night
9. Leaving your apartment without your phone fully charged
10. Leaving your accommodation without having access to online maps
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