Today’s travelers crave something different.
According to a Global Rescue survey, 44% of travelers are interested in exploring more remote locations and 27% are pursuing riskier destinations. And the Research and Markets’ 2024 Adventure Tourism Market Report reveals the global adventure tourism market is projected to more than double from about $352 billion in 2024 to nearly $740 billion by 2028.
These trends create an opportunity for travel suppliers to better address guest protection options. Expanding emergency evacuation benefits can help keep pace with travelers’ growing interest in off-the-beaten-path and high-adrenaline adventures.
What is emergency evacuation coverage?
When someone gets sick or injured during a vacation, the costs can be substantial. According to the CDC, a medical evacuation could exceed $250,000 for a distant or remote location.
That’s where emergency evacuation coverage can provide a literal lifeline. It helps to arrange and cover costs to transport travelers to the nearest adequate medical facility and, in some cases, it may also include transport home for continued treatment or recovery.
Why are evacuation limits increasing?
Historically, travel protection plans included emergency evacuation benefits between $50,000 and $100,000. Today, many plans now offer evacuation coverage up to $250,000 to $1 million. Some cruise and tour operators now have plans with limits as high as $500,000 to better reflect today’s costs and traveler expectations.
In addition to the increased appetite for remote and adventure travel, these limit increases are driven by:
- Rising medical and transport expenses
- More informed travelers, who often compare benefit details before booking
- A desire to help prevent customer dissatisfaction tied to uncovered expenses
If a traveler’s evacuation costs exceed the maximum covered by their plan, they may face significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Why this matters for cruise lines and tour operators.
For global travel providers, emergency evacuation coverage is more than just a safety net. It’s a reflection of your commitment to traveler safety and service quality. Plans with higher limits can help meet evolving traveler expectations, reduce negative experiences, strengthen your position in a competitive market and reinforce a focus on safety and preparedness.
The Aon Travel Takeaway?
“As we see several dynamics converge, including shifting travel preferences and increasing healthcare prices, it’s a good time for travel suppliers to evaluate the emergency evacuation benefits they offer guests,” says Scott Fleming, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “Adequate coverage is critical in emergency situations and enables everyone to focus on what’s truly important, getting your guests the assistance they need.”
All descriptions, summaries or highlights of coverage are for general informational purposes only and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of any insurance policy. Coverage is governed only by the terms and conditions of the relevant policy.