More Australians are travelling alone and you’ll never guess who they are
New research from Allianz suggests more Australians are travelling solo and that older Australians are driving this trend.
New research from Allianz suggests more Australians are travelling solo and that older Australians are driving this trend.The percentage of Australians travelling alone is on the rise and older Australians are leading the charge, according to research from Allianz. A whopping 40% of Allianz's policies in 2018 were single travel policies, an increase of 9% over 2017.
The highest number of single policies went to Aussies aged 50-59, followed by those aged 30-39 and 20-29.
"The solo travel trend is testament to the confidence Australians have when travelling abroad, with so many seeking more adventurous travel destinations as a result. For many of us, getting away is more than a once-a-year treat – which is why we encourage travellers to plan ahead," Allianz chief sales officer Lynne Sutherland said in a statement.
Travelling alone as an older Australian
Travelling solo is not without its risks. Allianz's 2018 single policy claims data shows that illness was the top claim (21%), followed by loss and theft (16%).
If you're an older Australian travelling solo, here are a few things to look out for when choosing your travel insurance policy:
- How does it treat pre-existing conditions? Older travellers may have more medical issues, and it's important to check your insurance because each insurer covers pre-existing conditions differently. Depending on your condition, some policies might automatically cover it no questions asked, while others may not cover it at all or ask you to take a medical evaluation before they decide.
- Does it provide emergency companion cover? If you're travelling solo and you're hospitalised overseas or need medical evacuation, many policies will cover the costs of a friend or relative to travel to you.
- Are you covered for expensive items? Have a look at the maximum amount covered for any expensive items you're carrying with you, such as a laptop, a mobile phone or a camera.
If you're alone when calamity strikes, having insurance by your side can ease some of the pressure. And it doesn't have to break the bank, especially if you do your due diligence and compare policies for one that offers value for your money.
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