As Americans navigate a travel landscape shaped by flight disruptions, extreme weather events, and rising travel costs, many are taking steps to protect their travel investments. According to the recent Global Travel Confidence Index* (GTCI) survey from Allianz Partners, more than four in ten Americans (42%) have purchased or are likely to purchase travel insurance for their summer trips, citing peace of mind and protection against unforeseen events as primary motivations.

This year's GTCI findings come as travelers continue to invest significantly in vacations and experiences this summer, making travel protection an increasingly important part of trip planning. Whether it's a family vacation, a bucket-list cruise, or a trip built around a special event, travel insurance can help protect those investments from unexpected disruptions.

Peace of Mind Remains the Primary Driver

In an environment where weather events and airline disruptions can quickly impact travel plans, travelers are increasingly seeking reassurance that they have support if something unexpected occurs. Among those planning to travel with insurance, the leading reasons for purchasing it, beyond peace of mind and general security, are:

• Protection against unforeseen travel disruptions
• Trip cancellation reimbursement
• Medical assistance while traveling
• Reimbursement for medical expenses abroad
• Coverage for baggage issues

Different Generations Prioritize Different Types of Coverage

As travel becomes more diverse and experience-driven, travelers are looking for insurance products that can adapt to their specific needs. American travelers planning to purchase travel insurance say the most important provider qualities are:

• Coverage options and flexibility (58%)
• Easy and fast claims processing (50%)
• Access to a 24/7 contact center (45%)

The survey also shows that travelers who have or plan to purchase insurance prioritize different types of protection based on their life stage and travel style:

• Higher-Income Travelers – Focus on protection against unforeseen travel disruptions, reflecting growing awareness of the financial impact that delays, cancellations, missed connections, or other travel interruptions can create.
• Boomers – Rank the highest value on trip cancellation coverage, with 94% citing it as important.
• Millennials – Place a strong emphasis on protection from travel disruptions and are more likely to seek flexibility and digital service experiences.
• Gen Z – 72% say someone else recommended or arranged the coverage for them, highlighting the growing role of family members, travel advisors, and travel providers in educating travelers about the value of protection. These younger travelers lead in prioritizing medical assistance and repatriation coverage (82%) while also valuing digital experiences and self-service capabilities.

Opportunity for Education Remains

While many travelers recognize the benefits of travel insurance, the survey also highlights an opportunity for continued consumer education. Among those who do not plan to purchase travel insurance, more than half (51%) believe the risk of something going wrong is too low, while 35% say travel insurance is too expensive.

"Travel insurance isn't just about protecting against major emergencies, it's about helping travelers navigate the unexpected with confidence," said Emily Hartman, General Manager at Allianz Partners. "Many travelers don't realize the breadth of support available through travel protection until they need it. The right coverage can provide valuable assistance before and during a trip, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying their journey."

Why Buying When You Book Is Important to Your Coverage

As summer travel heats up, nearly half (48%) of Americans planning to travel with insurance purchase it at the same time they book their trip, a method Allianz Partners feels passionate about for its customers. Purchasing travel insurance at the point of booking, including flights or accommodations, can reimburse losses caused by covered, unexpected cancellations, interruptions, and delays that may derail a trip. Travel insurance can also provide coverage for covered medical emergencies and baggage delays or losses while traveling, giving travelers significant peace of mind before they leave home.

With Americans continuing to prioritize travel despite economic pressures, GTCI emphasizes that travelers are increasingly viewing travel insurance not as an optional add-on, but as an important tool which can help to protect their trip costs and their peace of mind.