Aussies jet-setting to Paris and European summer adventures are packing a serious case of anxiety about the travel risks this year, the latest PassportCard research report has found.
As Olympic fans descend on Paris, the data collected reveals the French capital is the riskiest and most expensive place to have a travel accident, according to a study of 1,800 Aussie travellers.
This comes as no surprise after the multiple incidents that have been recorded even just this week, including Australian BMX star Logan Martin who’s gear was stolen from his van one day out from the Olympics.
The report comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs has issued warnings to Australian Travellers with official advice to “Exercise a high degree of caution” due to the threat of terrorism, civil unrest, strikes and criminal activity including theft targeting tourists.
PassportCard CEO Peter Klemt said Australians travelling to Europe for the Northern Hemisphere summer were anxious about the risks but could pack extra peace of mind for their trip by planning ahead.
“European adventures are full of unforgettable experiences, but they’re not always smooth sailing. Our data revealed two in five (42%) Australians who have travelled to Europe have had to make an insurance claim during a past trip, with one in 10 making multiple claims. This highlights just how common travel mishaps are across the continent,” Klemt said.
“France is world renowned for its cuisine, architecture and natural beauty. But it’s also renowned for protests and strike action that can grind the city to a halt. Add to that the elevated risks associated with the Olympics, its critical Australian travellers make sure they have travel insurance.
“For example, the average medical claim cost for Australian travellers in Europe is just under $1,000 but for major incidents, the medical bills can easily reach the tens of thousands. Our customer won’t be caught out of pocket for medical bills or other approved common claims such as delayed luggage or stolen cash with PassportCard’s 24/7 support team automatically loading funds on a pre-paid debit card when our clients need our help, the first of its kind to be offered in Australia.
“Unlike other insurers our clients aren’t required to foot the bill and get reimbursed later for these common claims. PassportCard empowers travellers to address unexpected problems without dipping into their own pockets, which helps take the stress out of an already stressful situation,” Klemt said.
The When it Happens In Europe Report found:
- Two in five (42%) Australian travellers to Europe have had to make an insurance claim during a past trip, with one in 10 making multiple claims.
- The top five most common claims made by Australians during their European adventures were: luggage delays (27%), lost luggage (25%), cancellations (23%), medical emergencies (15%) and travel delays (10%).
- Paris is the priciest place to have a medical accident according to more than half (53%) of Australian travellers, ahead of London (41%) and the Swiss Alps (35%).
- Medical issues, lost luggage, and unexpected travel disruptions can be particularly costly in Europe with the average trip now costing 8% more in 2024, at $10,861.
- The City of Light is the European location where Australians were most likely to lose their luggage or have their cash stolen (41%).
- Paris is also Europe’s hotspot for flight cancellations, with 21% of Australian travellers left stranded in Paris.
